Word
Definitions
01a border
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun
n. the line or area where one country touches another.
n. the political and geographical boundary separating two countries or territories.
“The soldiers were sent to guard the mountain frontier between the two nations.”
“Tensions escalated as both nations increased their military presence along the disputed frontier, leading to a complete halt in cross-border trade.”
02limit of knowledge
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Academic
n. the furthest point of what is known in a particular subject or activity.
n. the extreme limit of understanding or achievement in a particular field.
“Space is often called the final frontier for human exploration.”
“The latest research in quantum computing represents the new frontier of modern physics, challenging our fundamental understanding of information.”
Synonyms
03unsettled land
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun American English
n. a region at the edge of a settled area, especially in historical North America.
n. a region that forms the margin of settled or developed territory, often associated with historical expansion.
“Life on the American frontier was difficult and dangerous for early settlers.”
“The myth of the frontier has deeply influenced American literature, portraying the wilderness as a place of both lawless danger and infinite opportunity.”
Usage
Often used with the definite article 'the'.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Real-World Examples
“This is the same posture empires have always taken toward frontiers they didn’t build and don’t have to live inside the consequences of.” “These are wrinkles that are still being ironed out, even in the largest, most cutting-edge frontier models.” Etymology
From Middle English frounter, from Old French fronter (whence Modern French frontière), from front.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- 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.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL 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: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/frontier
「カタカナ語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0