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pacesetter

pacesetter

1 6.7
A person or thing that others copy because it shows new successful ideas
  • noun
  • /ˈpeɪsˌsɛtər/
: pionero
  • Arnold is our computer pacesetter.

The New York Times was the pacesetter and then the other, the second tier newspapers.

Examples

  • The United States traditionally was the pacesetter in environmental policymaking internationally.

    Academic text (2003)

  • In the field of renewable energy, Tesla has emerged as a pacesetter, encouraging others to invest in sustainable solutions.

  • The New York Times was the pacesetter and then the other, the second tier newspapers.

    Robinson Erhardt

  • France is among the early pacesetters in putting the plan in motion.

    Academic text (1993)

  • Ray is oblivious, happy being the dental-hygiene pacesetter of the household.

    Fiction book (1998)

  • Among other states attracting interest, Texas has been the pacesetter with more than $1 billion in new wind investment and 1,293 MW installed, mostly in the western part of the state near such communities as Big Springs and McCamey.

    Academic text (2004)

  • The societies of Germany and Japan were pacesetters in the postmodern process of suppressing national goals in favor of international ones; even today, most Germans do not know the words of their national anthem.

    Academic text (2002)

  • The company continues to be a pacesetter in technology, inspiring other businesses to innovate.

  • With her groundbreaking research, Dr. Smith is a pacesetter in environmental science.

Synonyms

pioneer
vspacesetter
100 4.2

A person among the first to develop new ideas or ways of doing things

acts as an example chiefly by leading progress or success rather than novelty
standard-bearer
vspacesetter
13 7.4

A leading person who represents a movement's ideas and goals

is an example through being the most progressive or successful in that role
trailblazer
vspacesetter
9 6.8

A person who first develops new ideas or methods in a field

is an example by being progressive and successful rather than simply first
guiding light
vspacesetter
6 4.2

A person who leads and inspires others in a group by example

is a leading example often because of being most progressive or successful
torchbearer
vspacesetter
3 7.2

A person who leads and inspires others in a cause

is an example through pioneering success rather than mainly inspiring people
pathbreaker
vspacesetter
1 6.7

A person who does something new that others copy

is an example by being most progressive or successful instead of just novel
pacemaker
vspacesetter
1 5.5

A person or group that sets a new standard for others

is an example by being especially progressive and successful in a field

Antonyms

imitator
8 3.4

A person who copies another person's words, actions, or style

How Influential

trailblazer
9 6.8
pacesetter
1 6.7
trend-setter
2 3.8
model
439 3.4

Surface Forms

pacesetter singular
pacesetters plural

Morphology

pacesetter = pace + setter (transparent) = pace + setter

Metaphorical extension of 'one who sets the pace' to mean a leader or trend-setter; the relation to components is clear.

Etymology

Pacesetter comes from the parts pace ('speed' or 'step') and set ('to place' or 'show'). So a pacesetter is a person or thing that 'sets the pace' for others to follow — a leader or example that others try to match in work, sport, or style.