Are you au courant with anything? If that question confused you, then it’s time to teach you the meaning of the French term and how you can use it every day in conversation as well as in the writing of any kind. French terms can get tricky, but this guide will break it all down for you.
Au Courant Meaning Explained
So, au courant is a French adjective, like so many before it, that has been adapted into our English language. And instead of using the translated version of it, we just kept it in its French form.
But what does it mean? Basically, it can be used to show when someone or something is up to date or in the know. If you’re someone who reads the newspaper every day or watches every news hour in the evenings to get a well-rounded view of current events around the world, then you’re considered “au courant.”
Au Courant Pronunciation
French terms and phrases can be a little tricky for English speakers or those learning English because they’re almost never pronounced how they’re spelled. When it comes to the term “au courant,” you say it as oh koo-rahn.
The Etymology of the Term Au Courant
The French word “curraunt” came about in the 14th century and loosely translates to something that runs freely. We use an English version, “current,” nowadays to describe a constant flow of water or energy. You’ll see it used by electricians all the time.
What Is Another Word for Au Courant?
Synonyms can help spruce up your vocab and writing, so instead of overusing the term “au courant,” try some of these terms instead.
- In the know
- Up to date
- Acquainted
- Informed
- Knowledgeable
- In touch
- Well versed
Examples of Au Courant in a Sentence
- I admire how Mary is always au courant with the latest fashion trends.
- My friend John reads the newspaper every morning to stay au courant with current events.
- Samantha attended a seminar to become au courant with the latest technology advancements.
- I’m au courant with trends in the publishing world because I’m part of many groups and organizations.
- In order to stay au courant as an author, I’m always connecting with my readers and staying on top of what they’re reading.
- My kids are au courant on all the latest YouTubers because they watch their new content daily.
- With the state of the world today, you have to stay au courant with politics, science, and events happening all over the world.
Stay Au Courant
And there you have it! That’s basically what the French adjective “au courant” means and how you can use it. I hope my guide explained things in a way that was easy to understand. Learning English can be hard when it comes to words and terms we’ve adapted from other languages. But you can always come back to our guides for clarification!