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forefront

forefront

73 4.8
The most important position in an area of work or activity
  • noun
  • /ˈfɔrfrʌnt/
translation icon : vanguardia
  • Social workers have always been at the forefront of work with immigrants.
  • come to the forefront
  • remain at the forefront
  • move to the forefront

So it's a kind of you're at the forefront of research here.

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Examples

  • Innovators are often at the forefront of technological advancements that shape our society.

  • The concept of effective schools comes to the forefront through these studies.

    Academic text (2012)
  • And Joe certainly is at the forefront of that.

  • We work at the forefront of the scientific world.

  • Our satellite network is at the forefront of our national defense.

  • It's important to stay at the forefront to be a successful mentor.

    Academic text (2013)
  • Community colleges are currently at the forefront of conversations about higher education.

    Academic text (2012)
  • Maintaining scientific credibility has always been at the forefront of the research enterprise.

    Academic text (2015)
  • For some time, Canadians have been at the forefront in the use of electronic banking.

    Academic text (1999)
  • INSOL has also been at the forefront of efforts to bring international issues to the Bankruptcy Code.

    Academic text (2017)

Synonyms

top
vsforefront
2.1

The highest position in a job or field

focuses on leading place in a field rather than general highest degree
center
vsforefront
  • US
282 1.0

The most important part or person that gets most attention

means a leading place in activity rather than the core part itself
cutting edge
vsforefront
37 3.9

The newest and most advanced position in a field like technology

means the leading position but with emphasis on newness not just rank
flagship
vsforefront
34 5.3

The most important product or store of a company that shows its best quality

is about position or role rather than a single top product or brand
center stage
vsforefront
  • Informal
30 3.8

A position or role that gets the most attention

indicates leading importance rather than just being visible or popular
focal point
vsforefront
30 3.7

The main person, thing, or idea that gets most attention

highlights leadership or first position rather than mere attention focus
front line
vsforefront
29 4.3

The main place where people do the most important and risky work

refers to importance rather than primarily action or danger
vanguard
vsforefront
18 7.2

People at the front leading a movement or new idea

is the leading or most important place rather than the people leading it
front burner
vsforefront
8 4.2

A thing that needs the most attention right now

is about long term leading place rather than urgent current priority
spearhead
vsforefront
3 5.0

A person leading a movement or attack

focuses on position or place rather than the individuals who lead
top of the pile
vsforefront
  • UK
3 4.6

The most important position with the highest priority

means leading position broadly rather than informal success or favor

Antonyms

27 6.5

The outer edge of an area, group, or idea

11 4.7

At the edge of something, for example land by a river

How Prominent

center
  • US
282 1.0
forefront
73 4.8
vanguard
18 7.2
background
268 2.1
periphery
27 6.5

Surface Forms

forefront singular
forefronts plural

Morphology

forefront = front (transparent) = fore + front

The sense 'leading or most important position in a field' is a direct extension of 'fore-' + 'front' meaning 'most forward' and is therefore transparent.

Etymology

The word forefront combines fore- ('before') and front ('front'), so it means the leading or most important place in an activity or field, like being at the front of a movement or the head of new ideas.