WordGarden.iovanguard
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /vˈæŋɡɑːd/
US
- /ˈvænˌɡɑrd/
Meanings
Noun
the leading or most advanced position in a field, movement, or development
the people or group leading a movement or new development
the front part of an advancing military force
Proper-noun
the Vanguard investment company and fund provider
Beyond the definition
Imagine an army marching into battle. The vanguard is not the whole army. It is the group at the very front, the first soldiers to face danger and lead the way for those behind them. That is where the word comes from. Today, we use "vanguard" to describe people or things that are at the front of a movement, field, or trend. Think of artists trying new ideas, scientists making important discoveries, or companies creating new technology. They can all be part of the vanguard. The word suggests being ahead of others and showing the way forward.
The word vanguard originally referred to the advance guard in a military formation: the troops who move ahead of the main army to scout, protect the group, and lead the way. This older meaning gives us the main idea behind its modern use: being at the very front of something.
Today, "vanguard" describes people or groups that are leading change in a particular field. It is not only about being first, but also about opening the way and shaping what comes next. For example, you might read about "the vanguard of environmental activism," meaning the groups doing the boldest and most influential work on climate change. Or you might hear that a company is "at the vanguard of medical research."
The term often carries a sense of progress and new ideas, suggesting that those in the vanguard are helping shape the future. However, it can also be used in a neutral way to show leadership or an important position. You might say, "She's been at the vanguard of this research for years," meaning she has been one of the leading figures in the field.
You will most often see "vanguard" used as a noun, especially in phrases like "the vanguard of reform" or "at the vanguard of design." Whether it is on the battlefield, in art, in science, or in social movements, the vanguard is made up of those who go first and lead the way.
Examples
- 1
Battery research
Several local startups are in the vanguard of battery research.
- Patternin the vanguard of + field/movement
among the most advanced or leading in it
- 2
Political movement
Students were the vanguard of the democracy movement.
- 3
Cultural leadership
The magazine promoted writers who saw themselves as the cultural vanguard.
- 4
Brand identity
The brand appeals to customers who like to feel part of the vanguard.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Military advance
By dawn, the army's vanguard had reached the bridge.
See also
Similar
- forefront
- front line
- leading edge
Shades of meaning
- cutting edge
- avant-garde
- spearhead
Contrast
- rear guard
- mainstream
Used with (collocations)
- at the vanguard of
- in the vanguard
- political vanguard
- vanguard party
Word family
- vanguardist
Explore
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- vanguardnoun
Forms
- vanguardspluralnoun