Word
tout
US/ˈtaʊt/
UK/tˈaʊt/
Definition
v. to praise something or someone a lot to make people want them. You often see this when people are trying to sell a product or an idea.
v. to promote or praise energetically, often with the intent of persuading others of a person's or thing's value. Frequently used in journalistic contexts regarding political or commercial prospects.
Examples
“The company is touting its new phone as the best on the market.”
“Local officials continue to tout the new stadium as a major boost for the city's economy.”
“While critics remained skeptical of the startup's long-term viability, venture capitalists continued to tout the platform as a revolutionary shift in digital infrastructure.”
Examples
simple
“The company is touting its new phone as the best on the market.”
contextual
“Local officials continue to tout the new stadium as a major boost for the city's economy.”
complex
“While critics remained skeptical of the startup's long-term viability, venture capitalists continued to tout the platform as a revolutionary shift in digital infrastructure.”
Usage
The verb is transitive and requires a direct object; often used in the progressive 'touting'.
Pitfall
He touts about his success
He touts his success
Tout is a transitive verb and does not take the preposition 'about' when describing the thing being praised.
Real-World Examples
“A search for "healthier" alternatives to drinking has helped create a new market for substances touted on social media as social drugs without the hangover.” “His performance at high-profile academic events did not match the credentials that were being touted.” “Because employees are encouraged to use AI tools while their companies cite those same innovations as grounds for cuts, the touted benefits of AI often work against themselves.” “An early 20th-century ad for Navassa guano touted its soil-enriching characteristics.” Etymology
From Middle English touten (“to jut out, protrude, gaze upon, observe, peer”), from Old English tūtian (“to be sticking out, protrude”), related to Old English tȳtan (“to stand out, be conspicuous, shine”), ultimately from Proto-Germanic tut(t)- (“to stick out, project”). Compare Icelandic túta (“a teat-like prominence”), tútna (“to be blown up”). Possibly influenced by dialectal toot (“to stick out; project; peer out; peep”), from Middle English toten, totien, from Old English tōtian (“to peep out; look; pry; spectate”). Compare also Old English tot, ġetot (“pomp, splendour, vainglory”).
Probably from French tout (“all”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/tout