ENGLISH
REFERENCE

fore

n. · adj. · adv.
US //ˈfɔɹ// UK //fˈɔː// fore
  1. 1 position of prominence (n.)
    C1 Advanced Formal

    the front or most important position.

    the most prominent or forward position, typically used in the prepositional phrase 'to the fore'.

    Example

    The issue of climate change has come to the fore in recent elections.

    Example

    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'.
  2. 2 situated at the front (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    located at or near the front of something, like a ship or a building.

    situated at or toward the front; in nautical contexts, it refers to the part of the vessel near the bow.

    Example

    The horse injured its right fore leg during the race.

    Example

    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'.
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  1. 3 towards the front (adv.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical Science

    at or towards the front part of a ship.

    located in or towards the bows of a vessel; the functional opposite of 'aft'.

    Example

    The captain ordered the crew to move the cargo further fore.

    Example

    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.
Origin

A development of the prefix fore-.

Word family

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