Skip to main content
to pioneer

to pioneer

66 5.1
To be among the first to try a new idea or method
  • verb
  • /ˈpaɪəˌnɪr/
translation icon : ser pionero en
  • And it was then that he pioneered the world of photography and committed himself to social reform.
  • pioneering work
  • pioneer a new approach
  • pioneering research

So it's kind of like we we pioneer it, we perfect it.

Autoplay Next

Examples

  • This university's science department prides itself on pioneering forward-thinking ideas that yield results.

  • She hopes to pioneer a new method of teaching that engages students more effectively.

  • So we have content and also pioneer R&D in the UK.

  • From this day forward, we're going to pioneer electronic firing.

  • You cannot invent and pioneer if you cannot accept failure.

  • This country needs to invent and pioneer and export around the world.

  • In the 1920s, Chile was one of several countries that pioneered social protection policies.

    Academic text (1999)
  • A mechanical engineer interested in materials science and biology, Suresh pioneered research to understand the mechanical properties of materials.

    Academic text (2011)
  • At EPRI, he pioneered R&D in smart grids and led the development of over 24 technologies.

    Academic text (2011)
  • Years earlier, Dr. Steven Patterson had pioneered a breakthrough in minimally invasive heart surgery.

    Fiction book (1999)

Synonyms

to initiate
vsto pioneer
426 4.5

To start something such as a project or discussion

is being the first to develop or use something, not just starting it
to blaze a trail
vsto pioneer
  • Informal
4 5.3

To do something new first so other people can follow

is about being first to develop or use something rather than only paving a way
to trailblaze
vsto pioneer
3 6.8

Do something new that opens the way for others

is about starting new methods rather than focusing on opening a path for others

Antonyms

1.0

To act according to rules, advice, or beliefs

177 1.0

Do something the same way someone else does

How Pioneering

to pioneer
66 5.1
to innovate
39 5.5
experiment
320 2.8

Surface Forms

pioneer infinitive
pioneered past
pioneered past participle
pioneering present participle
pioneers third person singular

Etymology

Pioneer comes from an old French word pionnier meaning 'foot soldier' who opened the path for others. To pioneer something is to be the first to open a new way or method, helping others to follow.