Front-runner Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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front-runner

[หˆfrสŒntหŒrสŒnษ™r ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

politics

A front-runner is a person or team that is expected to win a competition or election.

Synonyms

favorite, leader, top contender.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
front-runner

Use this term when referring to someone or something that is currently leading in a competition or race.

  • In the 2024 presidential election, she is considered the front-runner
  • The company's new product is the front-runner in the market
favorite

This word is best used when referring to the person or thing that is most likely to win or succeed according to predictions or popularity.

  • He is the favorite to win the marathon
  • This book is the favorite to win the literary award
leader

Use this term for the person or thing currently in the lead or holding a commanding position, often in various contexts like competitions, rankings, or groups.

  • She is the leader in the polls
  • The team has been the leader in the standings all season
top contender

This term is suitable for someone or something that is among the best and has a strong chance of winning or succeeding, but not necessarily the current front-runner.

  • He is a top contender for the championship
  • The movie is a top contender for multiple awards

Examples of usage

  • The front-runner in the election has a strong lead in the polls.
  • She emerged as the front-runner after winning the first two debates.
  • The company is considered the front-runner for the contract.
  • The front-runner is under pressure to maintain their position.
  • Being the front-runner comes with both advantages and challenges.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Sports

  • In any race, the front-runner is often the one whom others look to catch up with or beat.
  • Coaches frequently develop strategies specifically to deal with front-runners, using pacing and timing.

Politics

  • In political campaigns, the term describes candidates who are leading in polls and public support.
  • Often, front-runners face intense scrutiny and pressure as they get closer to the election date.

Cultural References

  • The concept of the front-runner appears in films and books where characters vie for preeminence, often embodying traits of ambition and competitiveness.
  • Popular media sometimes portrays front-runners as both heroes and villains, depending on the context of competition.

Psychology

  • Being a front-runner can lead to increased anxiety due to heightened expectations and fear of failure.
  • Research indicates that individuals in front-runner positions may experience both pressure to maintain their status and motivation from being in a leading role.

Origin of 'front-runner'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'front-runner' originates from horse racing, where it refers to the horse leading a race.
  • It combines 'front', meaning the leading position, and 'runner', which refers to a competitor or participant in a race.

The term 'front-runner' originated in horse racing, where it refers to a horse that is leading a race. Over time, the term has been adopted in various fields to describe the person or team expected to win a competition or election. The concept of a front-runner reflects the human desire to predict outcomes and identify potential winners early in a competition.