Word
fore
US/ˈfɔɹ/
UK/fˈɔː/
Definitions
01position of prominence
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Formal
n. the front or most important position.
n. the most prominent or forward position, typically used in the prepositional phrase 'to the fore'.
“The issue of climate change has come to the fore in recent elections.”
“The candidate's extensive experience in international diplomacy came to the fore during the televised debate, distinguishing her from her less-seasoned rivals.”
Usage
Almost always appears in the fixed idiom 'to the fore' or 'at the fore'.
Synonyms
Antonyms
02situated at the front
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. located at or near the front of something, like a ship or a building.
adj. situated at or toward the front; in nautical contexts, it refers to the part of the vessel near the bow.
“The horse injured its right fore leg during the race.”
“The sailors gathered on the fore deck to prepare the lines as the ship approached the narrow harbour entrance.”
Usage
Commonly used in compound words like 'foreleg' or 'forecastle'.
03towards the front
C2 · Proficiency Science Technical
adv. at or towards the front part of a ship.
adv. located in or towards the bows of a vessel; the functional opposite of 'aft'.
“The captain ordered the crew to move the cargo further fore.”
“The structural damage was concentrated fore and aft, leaving the midsection of the hull surprisingly intact after the collision.”
Usage
Used primarily in nautical or aeronautical navigation.
Antonyms
Real-World Examples
“In 2022, Rory Kennedy exposed the aviation safety scandal in which 346 people died – but since then, a plane door has blown out mid-flight and more whistleblowers have come to the fore.” “Being outfought and outperformed by Notts County, a well-organised and energetic team promoted from the fourth tier, brought the harsh reality of life to the fore on Saturday.” Etymology
A development of the prefix fore-.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Related words
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C2 ProficiencyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.8.5–9.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 6.0114–120
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C2 · Proficiency
- Updated
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