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front-runnera person or thing that is leading in a race or competition

Part of speech: NOUN

Definition: a person or thing that is leading in a race or competition

Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈfrʌnt ˌrʌnər/

Example Sentences

  • The company went from startup to front-runner faster than you can say 'unicorn'.
  • As the front-runner in the mayoral election, he had to be careful not to trip over his own campaign promises.
  • Tesla emerged as the front-runner in electric vehicle technology.

front-runner

NOUN

[/ˈfrʌnt ˌrʌnər/]

a person or thing that is leading in a race or competition

The front-runner waved to fans as she crossed the finish line first.
💡 Concept

The front-runner waved to fans as she crossed the finish line first.

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🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/ˈfrʌnt ˌrʌnər/
🇬🇧 UK/ˈfrʌnt ˌrʌnə/

🌳Etymology

Rootfront
Suffix-runner

Origin

Front-runner originated in mid-19th century English as a literal term for the leading participant in a race or marathon. The term was later metaphorically extended to political and business contexts to denote a leading candidate or competitor with the strongest position to win.

Breakdown

front (ahead, forward) + runner (one who runs). The compound describes a person running at the front of a race, later applied figuratively to any leading contender.

🎵Rhyme

fun runnergun runner
fun runner
gun runner

🔗Collocations

be the front-runner
front-runner status
clear front-runner
front-runner advantage
early front-runner

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

The company went from startup to front-runner faster than you can say 'unicorn'.

😄 Fun example

As the front-runner in the mayoral election, he had to be careful not to trip over his own campaign promises.

Tesla emerged as the front-runner in electric vehicle technology.

Despite being the front-runner, she remained humble about her chances of winning.

📚Related Words

Synonyms

leaderfrontrunnerpacesettertop candidatefavorite

Antonyms

underdogdark horsetrailing candidate

Related

candidatecompetitorleaderraceelectioncontest

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