Vantages

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. Favorable positions or points from which a view or situation can be observed ; the benefits or superior conditions that give someone an edge over others
2. Elevated or strategic locations offering a clear outlook ; the gains or favorable circumstances that put one party ahead of another
3. Advantageous vantage points for seeing a scene clearly ; the superior positions and benefits that secure a lead over rivals

Etymology: "Vantages" is the plural of "vantage," which is what remains of "advantage" after its opening syllable was dropped. In Middle English, speakers shortened "advantage" to "vantage," a process linguists call apheresis, the loss of an unstressed initial sound. The shorter form kept the sense of "advantage" in the sense of a favourable position or benefit. The plural "vantages" follows the usual pattern for nouns ending in a consonant. It is most familiar in the phrase "vantage point," which describes the place from which something is seen, a use that keeps the older idea of a favourable position alive.