Word: Forerunner
Part of Speech: Noun
Definition: A forerunner is something or someone that comes before another thing or person, often indicating that something similar is about to happen. It can also refer to something that serves as a sign or an indication of what is to come.
Usage Instructions:
"Forerunner" is typically used when talking about events, trends, inventions, or individuals that lead to or predict something that follows.
You can use it in both formal and informal contexts, but it’s more common in written English or speeches.
Example Sentences:
The invention of the telephone was a forerunner to the development of smartphones.
The early signs of spring, like blooming flowers, are often seen as forerunners of warmer weather.
Advanced Usage:
In a historical context, you might say, "The Renaissance was a forerunner of the modern age," meaning it was an important period that led to many changes in the future.
Word Variants:
Different Meanings:
In Science: In scientific contexts, a forerunner can refer to a precursor in research or discovery, such as an earlier theory or experiment that leads to new findings.
In Sports: A forerunner can refer to a competitor or athlete who participates before others, often to set a standard or gauge performance.
Synonyms:
Precursor
Predecessor
Herald
Pioneer
Trailblazer
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:
While "forerunner" does not have specific idioms or phrasal verbs associated with it, you might encounter phrases like "set the stage for," which conveys a similar idea of preparing for something to come.
Summary:
A forerunner is an important concept that helps understand how things develop over time.