This is the 251st most frequent French word.
ayant
"Having" (present participle of "avoir").
In this sentence, 'ayant' is part of a subordinate clause that provides additional information about the subject of the main clause.
L'étudiant ayant le plus travaillé a obtenu la première place.
The student having worked the most achieved the first place.
Here, 'ayant' introduces an action that precedes the main action, functioning as a linker between the recognition of the mistake and the subsequent apology.
Ayant reconnu son erreur, il a présenté ses excuses.
Having recognized his mistake, he apologized.
The word 'ayant' is used as a present participle introducing a subordinate clause indicating an action completed before the main action.