Word
forefront
Phoneticsfore·front, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈfɔɹˌfɹənt/
UK/fˈɔːfɹʌnt/
Definitions
01the leading position
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Formal
n. the most important or leading position in a group or activity.
n. the most prominent or influential position within a field, movement, or social trend.
“This company has always been at the forefront of new technology.”
“The university remains at the forefront of genetic research, consistently securing the highest volume of international grants in the sector.”
Usage
Usually appears in the phrase 'at the forefront of'.
Antonyms
02to highlight or prioritise
C2 · Proficiency Academic · Formal
v. to make something the most important part of a discussion or plan.
v. to place an issue, theme, or concept in a position of prominence; to prioritise or emphasise.
“The new report seeks to forefront the needs of young workers.”
“The documentary attempts to forefront the environmental impact of fast fashion, which is often overlooked in mainstream industry discussions.”
Usage
A transitive verb that takes a direct object.
Antonyms
Real-World Examples
“For most, thoughts of the classroom were probably not at the forefront of their minds.” “We have to do both .”
Governments and advocates have increasingly pushed children’s online safety to the forefront of policy debates on addictive design features, behavioural advertising, content moderation and privacy, the brief notes.” “All three states will be at the forefront of the primary calendar, come 2028.” Etymology
From Middle English forefrount, forfrount, forefronte, equivalent to fore- + front.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- 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.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL 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: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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