avantage

Avantage is a French noun meaning advantage, benefit, or edge. It is masculine: l'avantage. The term denotes a favorable position, a profit, or a gain and is widely used in contexts such as business, law, sports, and everyday speech. In everyday French, l'avantage can refer to a practical benefit, a competitive edge, or a tax or social perk.

Etymology and history: Avantage derives from Old French avantage, which itself comes from Latin ab ante, meaning “before” or “in front of.” The sense relates to something placed before someone to provide benefit or leverage.

Usage and nuance: Avantage expresses a beneficial condition relative to others. It can refer to practical benefits (avantages fiscaux, avantages sociaux), a competitive edge (avantage concurrentiel), or a strategic lead (avoir l'avantage). In sports and refereeing, l'avantage describes allowing play to continue after a foul if the attacking team has an immediate benefit; the referee may “laisser jouer l’avantage.” Phrases include “avoir un avantage sur quelqu’un” (to have an advantage over someone). Avantage is often contrasted with inconvénient (disadvantage) and with atout, which emphasizes a particular strength or asset.

Synonyms and related terms: bénéfice, profit, gain; atout (strong point or asset). In business contexts, “avantage compétitif” (competitive advantage) is a common collocation.

See also: atout, bénéfice, profit, plus.