frontier
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
the line or area where one country touches another.
the political and geographical boundary separating two countries or territories.
Simple“The soldiers were sent to guard the mountain frontier between the two nations.”
In context“Tensions escalated as both nations increased their military presence along the disputed frontier, leading to a complete halt in cross-border trade.”
- 02 C1 Advanced
the furthest point of what is known in a particular subject or activity.
the extreme limit of understanding or achievement in a particular field.
Simple“Space is often called the final frontier for human exploration.”
In context“The latest research in quantum computing represents the new frontier of modern physics, challenging our fundamental understanding of information.”
Synonyms - 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
a region at the edge of a settled area, especially in historical North America.
a region that forms the margin of settled or developed territory, often associated with historical expansion.
Simple“Life on the American frontier was difficult and dangerous for early settlers.”
In context“The myth of the frontier has deeply influenced American literature, portraying the wilderness as a place of both lawless danger and infinite opportunity.”
UsageOften used with the definite article 'the'.
SynonymsAntonyms
“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.”
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.