Break through: meaning, definitions and examples

🚀
Add to dictionary

break through

 

[ ˈbreɪk θruː ]

Verb / Noun
Context #1 | Verb

achievement

To successfully overcome a barrier, obstacle, or resistance. It implies a significant accomplishment or progress in a difficult situation.

Synonyms

conquer, overcome, succeed, triumph.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
break through

Used to describe overcoming an obstacle, usually a mental or physical barrier. Often associated with discoveries or achieving something significant after challenging efforts.

  • After years of research, she finally managed to break through in finding the cure.
  • The team had to break through multiple failures before achieving their goal.
succeed

Used to express achieving a desired aim or result. It is a more general term for achieving one's goals or objectives.

  • He succeeded in getting the job he always wanted.
  • If you work hard, you will succeed.
triumph

Used to describe a great victory or achievement. It conveys a sense of pride and celebration after a significant success.

  • Their victory in the tournament was a triumph for the whole team.
  • She triumphed over adversity and became a role model for many.
overcome

Used to describe successfully dealing with or controlling a problem or difficulty. It often implies a personal challenge and emotional resilience.

  • She had to overcome many obstacles to achieve her dream.
  • He overcame his addiction through sheer determination.
conquer

Typically used when talking about overcoming a large or difficult challenge, sometimes with a sense of struggle or battle. It often has a strong, victorious connotation.

  • He managed to conquer his fear of public speaking.
  • The explorers set out to conquer the highest peak.

Examples of usage

  • After years of hard work, he finally managed to break through and achieve his goal.
  • The team's innovative ideas helped them break through the competition and emerge as leaders in the industry.
Context #2 | Noun

discovery

A sudden, dramatic, or significant discovery or development. It can also refer to a significant advance in knowledge or understanding.

Synonyms

advance, development, discovery, innovation.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
break through

Use this term when describing overcoming significant obstacles or barriers, often in research or a competitive field.

  • The scientists managed to break through the final hurdles in their cancer research
discovery

This word is best used when referring to finding something new or uncovering previously unknown facts, often in the context of science or exploration.

  • The discovery of a new planet has excited astronomers worldwide
advance

This word is suitable when referring to progress in a general sense in a variety of fields, such as technology, science, or personal growth.

  • The recent advances in artificial intelligence have been remarkable
development

Use 'development' when speaking about gradual progress or the process of growth, typically over a period of time.

  • The development of the new housing project took several years to complete
innovation

Use 'innovation' when talking about creating new methods, ideas, or products that significantly change existing processes or markets.

  • His innovation in renewable energy has set a new standard for the industry

Examples of usage

  • The scientist's breakthrough in cancer research offered hope to many patients.
  • The artist's new painting represented a breakthrough in modern art.

Translations

Translations of the word "break through" in other languages:

🇵🇹 romper

🇮🇳 तोड़ना

🇩🇪 durchbrechen

🇮🇩 menembus

🇺🇦 прорив

🇵🇱 przełom

🇯🇵 突破する (toppa suru)

🇫🇷 percer

🇪🇸 romper

🇹🇷 kırmak

🇰🇷 돌파하다 (dolpa hada)

🇸🇦 اختراق (ikhtiraq)

🇨🇿 prorazit

🇸🇰 preraziť

🇨🇳 突破 (tūpò)

🇸🇮 prebiti

🇮🇸 brjótast í gegn

🇰🇿 бұзу

🇬🇪 გარღვევა (gargveva)

🇦🇿 yarılmaq

🇲🇽 romper

Etymology

The term 'break through' originated in the early 19th century. It combines the words 'break' and 'through,' indicating the act of breaking through a barrier or obstacle. The concept of breaking through can be traced back to the idea of overcoming challenges or achieving a significant discovery. Over time, 'break through' has become a common expression used to describe moments of success, progress, or innovation.