vanguard
The company's new research division is at the vanguard of sustainable technology.
Noun: 1. The leading position in a movement, field of activity, or intellectual development: The vanguard refers to the most advanced or progressive group, the forefront of innovation or change. 2. The foremost part of an advancing military force: The vanguard is the leading unit or units at the head of an army or fleet. 3. A group of people leading the development of new ideas or styles: Specifically, a creative or intellectual group that pioneers new concepts, especially in the arts or politics.
The word "vanguard" is used to describe the position or group that is at the cutting edge, leading the way for others to follow. It carries connotations of innovation, leadership, and being ahead of the mainstream.
As the leading position/group:
- The company has always been in the vanguard of technological innovation.
- Her research places her at the vanguard of modern physics.
- The artists formed the vanguard of the modernist movement.
As a military unit:
- The general sent the cavalry ahead to serve as the vanguard of the main army.
- The fleet's vanguard encountered the enemy first.
- "To be in the vanguard of": To be a leading part of a progressive movement or field.
- She is in the vanguard of scientists studying climate change mitigation.
- "The vanguard party": A political concept, notably in Leninist theory, referring to a revolutionary party that leads the working class.
- Avant-garde (noun/adjective): A term, especially in the arts, for people or works that are experimental, radical, or unorthodox, pushing the boundaries of what is accepted. Often used interchangeably with "vanguard" in cultural contexts.
- The filmmaker was known for his avant-garde techniques.
- Forefront: The leading or most important position.
- Spearhead: The person or group that leads an attack or movement.
- Pioneer: A person who is among the first to explore or settle a new area or field of activity.
- Trailblazer: A person who makes a new track through wild country; an innovator.
- Cutting edge: The most advanced stage of development.
- Rearguard: The troops stationed at the rear of a military force, especially to protect it from attack; by extension, a conservative or traditionalist group resisting change.
- Mainstream: The ideas, attitudes, or activities that are regarded as normal or conventional.
- Lagging: Failing to keep up with others; falling behind.
The company's new research division is at the vanguard of sustainable technology.
- the position of greatest importance or advancement; the leading position in any movement or field
- the Cotswolds were once at the forefront of woollen manufacturing in England
- the idea of motion was always to the forefront of his mind and central to his philosophy
- any creative group active in the innovation and application of new concepts and techniques in a given field (especially in the arts)
- the leading units moving at the head of an army