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Frontier: meaning, definitions and examples

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frontier

 

[ˈfrʌntɪər ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

on the

A line or border separating two countries.

Synonyms

border, boundary, line.

Examples of usage

  • The river forms the frontier between the two countries.
  • They live near the frontier and often cross it for work.
Context #2 | Noun

in the

A region at the edge of a settled area.

Synonyms

borderland, outskirts, periphery.

Examples of usage

  • The settlers moved west to the frontier.
  • Life on the frontier was tough and unpredictable.
Context #3 | Noun

on the technological

The most advanced or innovative part of a field or activity.

Synonyms

cutting-edge, forefront.

Examples of usage

  • The company is at the frontier of technology.
  • They are pushing the frontier of medical research.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The term 'frontier' originates from the Old French word 'frontiere,' meaning 'border' or 'boundary.'
  • The word has been used in English since the early 15th century to describe borders between regions.
  • It was historically associated with the edges of settled lands, especially during periods of colonization and expansion.

History

  • In the American context, the 'Frontier Thesis' proposed by historian Frederick Jackson Turner suggested that settled borders shaped American democracy.
  • The concept of the frontier played a crucial role in the westward expansion of the United States during the 19th century.
  • Frontiers have often served as places of cultural interaction and conflict, influencing the identity of nations.

Science and Technology

  • In scientific terms, a 'frontier' often refers to the leading edge of knowledge or research, such as in the fields of space exploration or biotechnology.
  • The concept is used in climate research to denote boundaries in ecosystems, indicating zones of change or stress.
  • Frontier technology encompasses innovations that are at the cutting edge, often involving advancements like artificial intelligence and quantum computing.

Literature

  • Many novels set in the American West explore themes of adventure and survival on the frontier, such as 'Little House on the Prairie' or 'My Ántonia.'
  • In science fiction, the idea of frontiers repurposed as unexplored space encourages explorations of alien worlds and technology.
  • The notion of a 'personal frontier' is also popular in literature, representing an individual's journey toward self-discovery and growth.

Pop Culture

  • Movies like 'The Revenant' and 'Into the Wild' depict survival and adventure on the frontiers of nature, highlighting both beauty and danger.
  • Games like 'Fallout' and 'Red Dead Redemption' explore frontier themes with vast, untamed landscapes and moral dilemmas of exploration.
  • Television shows such as 'Deadwood' illustrate the historical and cultural conflicts that arise when civilizations meet on the frontier.

Translations

Translations of the word "frontier" in other languages:

🇵🇹 fronteira

🇮🇳 सीमा

🇩🇪 Grenze

🇮🇩 perbatasan

🇺🇦 кордон

🇵🇱 granica

🇯🇵 国境 (kokkyō)

🇫🇷 frontière

🇪🇸 frontera

🇹🇷 sınır

🇰🇷 국경 (gukgyeong)

🇸🇦 حد (ḥadd)

🇨🇿 hranice

🇸🇰 hranica

🇨🇳 边境 (biānjìng)

🇸🇮 meja

🇮🇸 landamæri

🇰🇿 шекара

🇬🇪 საზღვარი (sazghvari)

🇦🇿 sərhəd

🇲🇽 frontera

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,763, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.