avant-garde
Definitions
The group of people who develop new and experimental ideas, especially in the arts.
先锋派（提出新颖、实验性思想的群体，尤指艺术领域）。
New, experimental, and ahead of its time.
前卫的，先锋的，超前的。
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedFrench avant- (before, in front) + garde (guard) = the 'advance guard' — the troops marching ahead of the main army. Art critics borrowed the military image for artists working ahead of their time.
Root gard still carries 11 more wordsWhy It Means This
A battlefield term turned art-world badge. The avant-garde were literally the soldiers out front, scouting and taking the first hits. Transferred to culture, it names the pioneers who push past convention — and 'guard' here is the same gard root as in guard and garden.
Usage Guide
Often used with 'the' as a noun (joined the avant-garde) or attributively (avant-garde fashion). Note the silent French ending — pronounced roughly 'av-on-GARD,' with the final -e silent.
Example Sentences
- 1.
Her films were too avant-garde for mainstream audiences.
- 2.
The gallery showcases the latest avant-garde art.
- 3.
He was part of the literary avant-garde in the 1920s.