Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Radically new or original: Describing works, ideas, or movements that are innovative, experimental, and ahead of their time, often challenging established norms, especially in the arts.
   • Pioneering: Characterizing those who introduce new and unconventional methods or concepts.

2. Noun:

   • A group of pioneers: A collective of artists, writers, or thinkers who create and promote radically new ideas and techniques, particularly in cultural fields.
   • The innovative ideas or works themselves: The body of work or concepts produced by such a group.

Examples of Usage

• Adjective:

  • The director is known for her avant-garde film techniques.
  • The gallery features an exhibition of avant-garde sculpture.

• Noun:

  • The artistic avant-garde often faces criticism from traditionalists.
  • His music was influenced by the European avant-garde of the early 20th century.

Advanced Usage

• "The avant-garde": Used with the definite article to refer collectively to the most innovative and experimental artists or thinkers in a particular field or era.

  • The literary avant-garde in Paris during the 1920s was incredibly influential.

• "Avant-gardism": (Noun) The principles, practices, or style of the avant-garde; the quality of being avant-garde.

  • His work is characterized by a relentless avant-gardism.

Variants and Related Words

• Avant-gardist (Noun): A member or supporter of the avant-garde; an innovator.
  • She is considered a leading avant-gardist in contemporary dance.

Synonyms

• Adjective: Innovative, experimental, pioneering, groundbreaking, radical, cutting-edge.
• Noun: Vanguard, innovators, pioneers, trailblazers.

Related Phrases

• "At the avant-garde of": Being at the forefront or leading edge of a development.
  • The institute is at the avant-garde of genetic research.

Related Idioms

• "Push the avant-garde": To extend the boundaries of what is considered innovative or experimental. (Note: This is a less common, constructed phrase based on the idiom "push the envelope".)
  • The new composer's work continues to push the avant-garde in classical music.

Adjective

1. radically new or original
   • an avant-garde theater piece

Noun

1. any creative group active in the innovation and application of new concepts and techniques in a given field (especially in the arts)