Definition

A person or thing that comes before another, often indicating or signaling the arrival of something else.

Example

The new technology is seen as a forerunner to future innovations in the industry.

Conversation

Did you know that the first smartphone was a real forerunner to everything we use today?

Yeah, it's fascinating to see how far technology has come since then.

Exactly! It was like a glimpse into the future of communication.

For sure, and now we can't imagine life without our phones.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Forerunner → It is formed from "fore-" (meaning before) and "runner" (from Old English "runnian", meaning to run). The word "forerunner" refers to someone or something that runs ahead or comes before another, often indicating a precursor or predecessor.

Memory Tip

Think of something that comes 'before' ('fore-') another, like a runner leading the way. This helps you remember that a forerunner is someone or something that precedes another.

Visually Confused Words