Basic Details
Word: Forerunner
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: Someone or something that comes before another; an indication of what is to come.
Synonyms: Precursor, predecessor, harbinger
Antonyms: Successor, follower
Idioms and Phrases
- Forerunner of change: Something that indicates that a change is about to happen. Example: "The early flowers are the forerunners of change in the season, signalling that spring is here."
- Forerunner in the race: Refers to someone that is leading or ahead of others in a competition. Example: "He was the forerunner in the race, setting a fast pace for the others to follow."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The invention of the telephone was a forerunner to the modern communication devices we use today.
Example 2: The ancient texts served as a forerunner to the knowledge we have now about history.
Example 3: She was a forerunner in her field, paving the way for future scientists to explore new ideas.
Fun Fact
Did you know that the word "forerunner" comes from the Old English word "forerunner," where "fore" means "before" and "run" means "to run"? It originally referred to those who would run ahead to announce or prepare for someones arrival.
Famous Quote
"The forerunner of a revolution is often a traditionalist." Eric Hobsbawm
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "forerunner" mean?
a) A type of follower
b) Something that comes before another
c) A kind of fruit
d) An animal
Answer: b) Something that comes before another
2. Which of these is a synonym of "forerunner"?
a) Successor
b) Precursor
c) Follower
d) Friend
Answer: b) Precursor
3. Which of these is an antonym of "forerunner"?
a) Harbinger
b) Predecessor
c) Successor
d) Ancestor
Answer: c) Successor
4. Which sentence uses "forerunner" correctly?
a) The forerunner swam swiftly across the lake.
b) The forerunner of the new law was debated for many years.
c) The forerunner picked apples from the tree.
d) The teacher became the forerunner by taking a day off.
Answer: b) The forerunner of the new law was debated for many years.
5. What does "forerunner of change" imply?
a) Change is not possible
b) Waiting for something to happen
c) Indication that change is coming
d) Change has already happened
Answer: c) Indication that change is coming
