This is the 1208th most frequent French word.
vaut
"Vaut" means "is worth" or "is valued."
Here, 'vaut' is used to express value or worth, indicating that the effort is justified.
Cela vaut la peine d'essayer.
It's worth trying.
In this context, 'vaut' compares the value of prevention to cure, highlighting the relative importance.
Un gramme de prévention vaut un kilo de guérison.
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
'Vaut' here is used to inquire about the value or merit of the proposal.