Fronted Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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fronted

[หˆfrสŒntษชd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

linguistic term

In linguistics, 'fronted' refers to the process of moving a part of a sentence, typically a noun phrase or an adverbial, to the front position of a clause for emphasis or clarity. This rearrangement often highlights the importance of that element in the sentence. It is commonly used in various languages to create more complex sentence structures or to adhere to specific grammatical rules. Fronting can also change the focus of a sentence, leading to different interpretations.

Synonyms

brought to front, moved forward.

Examples of usage

  • She fronted the project description.
  • The dog fronted the line during the walk.
  • He fronted his concerns about the changes.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Linguistics

  • In grammar, 'fronted' refers to a structure where elements are moved to the beginning of a sentence for emphasis.
  • For example, saying 'Beautiful is the sunset' instead of 'The sunset is beautiful' front-loads the adjective for dramatic effect.
  • Fronted constructions can help highlight important information in conversations, making communication more engaging.

Music

  • In music, a 'fronted' band usually features a lead singer or frontperson who engages with the audience.
  • Many iconic bands from the 60s and 70s had charismatic fronted performances that defined their styles, such as The Rolling Stones or The Who.
  • The chemistry and energy a fronted performer brings can greatly influence a band's popularity and success.

Psychology

  • The concept of 'fronting' can symbolize how people present different sides and characteristics to the world versus their true selves.
  • Psychological studies show that people often adopt fronted personas in social settings to fit in or seek acceptance.
  • Understanding why someone might front different aspects of their identity can reveal much about social dynamics and personal struggles.

Pop Culture

  • The term 'fronted' has been used in popular culture to describe characters who appear strong and confident but may struggle internally.
  • Many television shows and movies feature protagonists who front a brave face while dealing with complex emotions, echoing real-life experiences.
  • Fronted portrayals can resonate with audiences, showcasing the delicate balance between outward appearances and inner realities.

Origin of 'fronted'

Main points about word origin

  • The word derives from the Old French 'front', which means 'forehead' or 'front part', reflecting the idea of something being in the forefront.
  • It became part of the English language in the late 14th century as a way to describe position or appearance.
  • In different contexts, it has evolved to describe a variety of front-facing roles or forms, such as in music or linguistics.

The term 'fronted' derives from the base word 'front,' which comes from the Old French 'front' and further back from the Latin 'frons,' meaning 'forehead' or 'front part.' The usage of 'front' in English dates back to the late Middle Ages when it began to take on a more abstract sense of being at the forefront or leading position. Over time, the term evolved in various contexts, particularly in grammar and linguistics. 'Fronting' as a linguistic term became more prominent in the 20th century with the development of syntactic theory, focusing on the arrangement of words within a sentence. The concept of fronting is crucial for understanding how sentence structure influences meaning.


Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,889, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.