Forerunner

usgb/ˈfɔːrʌnər/
noun

Something or someone that comes before and shows that something else will happen or arrive later.

The forerunner of the modern bicycle was a wooden horse on wheels.
Visual representation of "forerunner" - Something or someone that comes before and shows that something else will happen or arrive later

Often appears as...

  • forerunner of
  • forerunner to
Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "forerunner"
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Historic Link

Used to describe historic precursors to modern items or concepts.

Illustration for Historic Link
The steam engine was a forerunner to modern locomotives.
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Indicate Progression

Suggests a development or evolution from one state to another over time.

Illustration for Indicate Progression
Early smartphones were the forerunner of today's advanced mobile devices.
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Not Just Physical

Can refer to abstract concepts, such as ideas or movements, not just physical objects.

Illustration for Not Just Physical
18th-century enlightenment thought was the forerunner of modern democracy.
Visual representation of the word "Forerunner"

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