forerunner — a person or thing that precedes the coming or development of someone or something else
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: a person or thing that precedes the coming or development of someone or something else
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈfɔːrˌrʌnər/
Example Sentences
- My grandfather's flip phone was the forerunner of my addiction to smartphones.
- The steam engine was a forerunner of modern transportation.
- Dark clouds are often forerunners of heavy rain and my bad hair days.
forerunner
NOUN[/ˈfɔːrˌrʌnər/]
a person or thing that precedes the coming or development of someone or something else
The steam locomotive stands as a forerunner to today's high-speed trains.
The forerunner ran ahead of the others and showed them which path to take. (FORE = BEFORE / AHEAD + RUNNER = ONE WHO RUNS AHEAD)
The forerunner ran ahead of every runner while the gunner watched the race from the stadium stands.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Middle English and Old English 'fore' (before) combined with 'runner' (one who runs). The word emerged in the 16th century to describe someone who runs ahead or precedes another.
Breakdown
fore- (before) + runner (one who runs) = forerunner
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My grandfather's flip phone was the forerunner of my addiction to smartphones.”
“The steam engine was a forerunner of modern transportation.”
“Dark clouds are often forerunners of heavy rain and my bad hair days.”
“This research serves as a forerunner to breakthrough medical treatments.”
📚Related Words
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