avant
|a-vant|
🇺🇸
/əˈvænt/
🇬🇧
/əˈvɑːnt/
ahead; in front
Etymology
'avant' originates from French, specifically the word 'avant', where 'avant' meant 'before' or 'in front of'.
'avant' came into English as a borrowing/combining form from French (Modern French 'avant'), which in turn came from Old French 'avant' and ultimately from Latin 'ante' (via Vulgar Latin *abante).
Initially it meant 'before' or 'in front' (spatial or temporal). Over time, in English usage—especially in phrases like 'avant-garde'—the sense shifted toward 'in the forefront' and then to 'innovative; experimental' in cultural contexts.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
(rare, informal) The vanguard or forefront of a movement; a person or group leading new developments (often used as a clipped form of 'avant-garde').
They were considered the avant of the city's music scene.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Adjective 1
(informal) Innovative, experimental, or ahead of its time — often used of art, music, literature, or fashion (short for 'avant-garde').
Her tastes in painting are distinctly avant.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/11/30 18:12