Breakthrough Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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breakthrough

[ˈbreɪkθruː ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

scientific research

A breakthrough is a sudden, dramatic, and important discovery or development in a particular field, especially in science or medicine. It often represents a significant advancement or progress that changes the way things are understood or done.

Synonyms

advance, discovery, innovation.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
breakthrough	Use when talking about a significant achievement that opens up new possibilities, often after a long period of effort or study. The new drug represents a major breakthrough in cancer treatment. Her research led to a breakthrough in renewable energy technology.
discovery	Used when finding something new that was previously unknown, often in a scientific or exploratory context. The discovery of penicillin changed the course of medicine. Their discovery in the Amazon rainforest was groundbreaking.
advance	Suitable for describing progress or improvement in a particular field over time, often incrementally. There have been significant advances in artificial intelligence. The advance in medical technology has improved patient care.
innovation	Pertains to the introduction of a new method, idea, or product, often with a focus on creativity and improvement. The smartphone was one of the greatest innovations of the 21st century. Innovation is key to staying competitive in the modern market.

Examples of usage

The new drug has led to a major breakthrough in the treatment of cancer.
The scientist's groundbreaking research resulted in a significant breakthrough in the study of genetics.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

technology

In technology, a breakthrough refers to a significant development or achievement that allows for a new level of performance or capability. It often involves overcoming a major obstacle or limitation.

Synonyms

achievement, milestone, progress.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
breakthrough	Used to describe significant discoveries or advancements, often in scientific, medical, or technological fields. The scientist's latest breakthrough in cancer research might save millions of lives
achievement	Used when referring to something important and successful that has been accomplished, usually highlighting individual or group efforts. Graduating from college was a major achievement for her
milestone	Used to mark an important stage or event in a process, project, or life; it often signifies progress or development. Celebrating their 10th wedding anniversary was a significant milestone for the couple
progress	Used when describing the forward movement towards a goal or improvement in a situation; it highlights ongoing development. Despite the challenges, the team made steady progress on the project

Examples of usage

The company announced a major breakthrough in battery technology that will revolutionize the industry.
This new software represents a breakthrough in artificial intelligence.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

A key moment in scientific research can lead to breakthroughs, such as the discovery of penicillin, which changed medicine forever.
Breakthrough technologies like the internet have transformed communication and information sharing around the world.
Cancer research has seen numerous breakthroughs in treatments that improve patient survival rates significantly.

Cultural Impact

In pop culture, the term often describes moments of artistic innovation, like when a musician creates a hit song that defines a genre.
Movies featuring breakthrough stories focus on characters who overcome obstacles, inspired by true events that resonate with audiences.
Historical figures like Thomas Edison and Marie Curie are often celebrated for their groundbreaking discoveries that shaped modern society.

Psychology

Experiencing a breakthrough in therapy can lead to transformative changes in one's personal development and understanding.
Researchers study how moments of insight can lead to problem-solving breakthroughs, often when individuals least expect it.
Breakthroughs in understanding human behavior can help improve mental health strategies and interventions.

Business

In the business world, a breakthrough idea can lead to new products that disrupt markets and create new consumer trends.
Breakthrough strategies often involve identifying inefficient processes and innovating ways to optimize them.
Many successful entrepreneurs attribute their achievements to a key breakthrough moment that changed their trajectory.

Origin of 'breakthrough'

Main points about word origin

The word 'breakthrough' is formed from 'break' meaning to separate into pieces and 'through' indicating movement to the other side.
It first appeared in the early 20th century, commonly used in military context to describe breaking enemy lines.
Its usage expanded in the 1940s to include significant discoveries in science and technology.

The word 'breakthrough' originated from the combination of 'break' and 'through', indicating the idea of breaking through a barrier or obstacle to achieve something significant. The term has been commonly used since the mid-20th century to describe important advancements or discoveries in various fields.