WordGarden.iopathbreaking
Pronunciation
UK
US
Meanings
Adjective
innovative and important enough to open a new way forward
Beyond the definition
Imagine someone charting a course through a dense forest—that's what "pathbreaking" describes! It means doing or creating something so new and original that it opens up entirely new possibilities for others. Think of Marie Curie's work with radioactivity; it wasn't just good science, it was pathbreaking science, forging a trail for countless researchers to follow.
It doesn't necessarily mean instant success—sometimes pathbreaking ideas are met with resistance at first. But they ultimately change the way things are done. You might describe a new artistic style as pathbreaking if it completely breaks from tradition, or a legal decision as pathbreaking if it sets a precedent for future cases. It's about blazing a trail where none existed before.
"Pathbreaking" describes something that is truly innovative and groundbreaking—not just an improvement on what already exists, but a fundamental shift in thinking or practice. The image conjured by the word is of someone forging a new path through uncharted territory, making it easier for others to follow.
It's often used to describe achievements in fields like science, technology, art, and social justice. For example: "The invention of the printing press was a pathbreaking moment in history," or "Her novel offered a pathbreaking portrayal of female characters." It suggests something that is not only original but also has a lasting impact, fundamentally altering the landscape of its field.
While "innovative" simply means new, "pathbreaking" implies a deeper level of significance and influence. A clever new gadget might be innovative, but a technology that creates an entirely new industry or way of life is pathbreaking.
The term isn't limited to grand historical achievements, either. A small local initiative that tackles a social problem in a completely novel way could also be described as pathbreaking. It's about the potential for widespread change, even if it starts on a smaller scale.
So, when you hear "pathbreaking," think of something that doesn't just add to what's already there—it creates an entirely new direction, opening up possibilities previously unimagined.
Examples
- 1
Academic research
The team published a pathbreaking study on childhood language development.
- 2
Medical research
Her pathbreaking research changed how doctors treat the disease.
- 3
Legal ruling
The court's pathbreaking ruling gave stronger protection to workers.
- 4
Film technique
The film was pathbreaking in its use of handheld cameras and natural lighting.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Technology history
The software was pathbreaking for its time, but it looks simple today.
See also
Similar
- groundbreaking
- pioneering
- trailblazing
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- pathbreaking research
- pathbreaking study
- pathbreaking work
- pathbreaking approach
Word family
- pathbreaker
Explore
- breakthrough
- paradigm shift
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- pathbreaking