Forerunners Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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forerunners

[ˈfɔːrʌnər ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

in history

People or things that come before and indicate the approach of someone or something else.

Synonyms

harbinger, pioneer, precursor.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
precursor	This term is used to describe something that comes before another of the same type, often suggesting that it paves the way for something more advanced or developed. It is often used in scientific, technological, and historical contexts. The telegraph was a precursor to the modern internet. Certain 1980s technologies were precursors to today's smartphones.
harbinger	This word is typically used when referring to something that signals or foretells a future event. It often carries a slightly ominous or significant tone. It is commonly used in literature, weather phenomena, and omens. The sudden drop in temperature was a harbinger of the coming storm. The appearance of the comet was considered a harbinger of change.
pioneer	Pioneer is generally used to describe someone who is among the first to explore or settle a new area, or to innovate in a particular field. It can be in the context of geographical exploration, scientific research, technology, or social movements. She is recognized as a pioneer in the field of genetics. The pioneers of the American West faced many hardships.

Word

Description / Examples

precursor

This term is used to describe something that comes before another of the same type, often suggesting that it paves the way for something more advanced or developed. It is often used in scientific, technological, and historical contexts.

The telegraph was a precursor to the modern internet.
Certain 1980s technologies were precursors to today's smartphones.

harbinger

This word is typically used when referring to something that signals or foretells a future event. It often carries a slightly ominous or significant tone. It is commonly used in literature, weather phenomena, and omens.

The sudden drop in temperature was a harbinger of the coming storm.
The appearance of the comet was considered a harbinger of change.

pioneer

Pioneer is generally used to describe someone who is among the first to explore or settle a new area, or to innovate in a particular field. It can be in the context of geographical exploration, scientific research, technology, or social movements.

She is recognized as a pioneer in the field of genetics.
The pioneers of the American West faced many hardships.

Examples of usage

The ancient Greeks are considered the forerunners of modern Western civilization.
The industrial revolution was a forerunner of the technological advancements of the 21st century.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

in sports

An athlete who takes the lead in a race or competition.

Synonyms

front-runner, leader, pace-setter.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
forerunners	Usually used to describe people or things that have come before others of the same type. It can refer to individuals or innovating entities heralding major changes or trends. Historical contexts and breakthroughs often use this term. The Wright brothers are considered the forerunners of modern aviation. These ancient tools are forerunners of contemporary technology.
leader	A general term for someone who leads or commands a group, organization, or country. It implies a position of authority and leadership in various contexts. He is the leader of the project team. As the leader of the country, she has to make tough decisions.
front-runner	Commonly used in races, competitions, or political campaigns to denote a person or entity currently leading or most likely to win. It’s a term often seen in media or competitive contexts. She is the front-runner in the presidential race. The team's latest victory made them the front-runners in the league.
pace-setter	Often used in sports, business, and technology to describe someone or something that establishes a standard or level of performance others strive to match. It implies setting benchmarks for speed, efficiency, or quality. The new software became the pace-setter in the industry for performance. As a pace-setter in the marathon, he ensured a rapid tempo for the race.

Examples of usage

The Kenyan runner was the forerunner for the first half of the marathon.
She established herself as the forerunner in the swimming competition.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Science

In biology, forerunners can refer to precursor cells, which develop into specialized cells like muscles or nerve cells.
Forerunners in evolutionary terms are species that existed before others, laying groundwork for future species development.
In climate science, forerunners of environmental change alert researchers to patterns that could lead to larger ecological shifts.

Literature

Forerunners may refer to characters in stories that symbolize change or introduce new ideas, often creating conflict or resolution.
In poetry, a forerunner often serves as a metaphor for themes of anticipation and the future.
Many literary movements have forerunners—think of early authors who inspired the styles of later generations.

Technology

The forerunners of modern computers were early calculating devices like the abacus and mechanical calculators.
In the automotive industry, early car models serve as forerunners to today's high-tech vehicles and electric automakers.
In software, programming pioneers developed foundational languages that influenced the creation of today's complex systems.

Culture

Forerunners in cultural movements often pave the way for social change by introducing new ideas, music, or art.
Fashion often has forerunners—trends that emerge in certain communities before becoming mainstream.
In sports, forerunners inspire new training techniques or styles of play that then spread to athletes worldwide.

Origin of 'forerunners'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from Middle English, combining 'fore' (before) and 'runner' (one who runs, or a messenger).
In its earliest uses, it referred to someone sent ahead to announce something or prepare the way.
It has evolved over centuries to also refer to those who are pioneers or innovators in various fields.

The word 'forerunners' originated from Middle English 'forerunnere', which was derived from the Old English 'fore rynere'. The concept of forerunners has been present in various cultures throughout history, symbolizing the anticipation of future events or the leading position in a race. The term has evolved to encompass both historical and sports contexts, reflecting the idea of preceding or leading the way for others.