vanguard

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun the leading units moving at the head of an army
  2. noun any creative group active in the innovation and application of new concepts and techniques in a given field (especially in the arts)
  3. noun the position of greatest importance or advancement; the leading position in any movement or field

Etymology

Earlier forms included vandgard and (a)vantgard with or without aphetism, derived from Old French avan(t)garde (“before guard”). Doublet of avant-garde and vaward.

In classic literature

Synonyms

van

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