Groundbreaking meaning in English
Learn how to use Groundbreaking correctly with Gymglish.
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Definition
groundbreaking: innovative, avant-garde, new
to break new ground: to innovate, to do something which has never been done before
Examples
- "With each "groundbreaking", "must-have" widget added to the Ephone store comes another way to tune out from the real world (you know, that thing that you see through the window behind your computer screen?"
- "Your groundbreaking work with monkeys in a cruelty-free environment interested me particularly, and their significant role in your daily activities came as a mild surprise."
Exercise 1
Isabelle refers to Delavigne's groundbreaking work.
Which of the following terms is closest in meaning to "groundbreaking" in this context?
Which of the following terms is closest in meaning to "groundbreaking" in this context?
Isabelle refers to Delavigne's groundbreaking work.
Which of the following terms is closest in meaning to "groundbreaking" in this context?
Which of the following terms is closest in meaning to "groundbreaking" in this context?
"Elaborate" and "groundbreaking" don't share the same meaning. An "elaborate (dance)" is complex or complicated, while "groundbreaking" work is pioneering or original.
This is correct. "Groundbreaking" is synonymous with the terms "innovative", "original" or "pioneering" in this context. Example: She was awarded the Nobel Prize for her groundbreaking work on the sexual habits of the earthworm. This term literally describes the "earth" or "soil" which is "broken" to lay the foundations for a new building. In this letter, Isabelle writes that she was particularly interested by Horatio's groundbreaking work.
"Groundbreaking" certainly sounds dangerous, but the term refers to original or pioneering work, and not "dangerous" work, which is unsafe or poses a risk.
"Groundbreaking" certainly sounds dangerous, but the term refers to original or pioneering work, and not "destructive" work, which causes damage or "destroys" things..
Exercise 2
Bruno wants to get his business off the ground.
Find the best definition for this idiom and the others below.
To get a business off the ground -->
To break new ground (in a field) -->
To find common ground (with somebody) -->
Find the best definition for this idiom and the others below.
To get a business off the ground -->
To break new ground (in a field) -->
To find common ground (with somebody) -->
Bruno wants to get his business off the ground.
Find the best definition for this idiom and the others below.
To get a business off the ground --> to start a business and make it succeed 1
To break new ground (in a field) --> to do something original or unique 2
To find common ground (with somebody) --> to reach an understanding 3
Find the best definition for this idiom and the others below.
To get a business off the ground --> to start a business and make it succeed 1
To break new ground (in a field) --> to do something original or unique 2
To find common ground (with somebody) --> to reach an understanding 3
1 to start a business and make it succeed: This is the best choice here. To "get a business off the ground" describes not only starting or launching the business, but ALSO making it work or making it relatively successful. For example, one could be in business for years without much success. This person still needs to "get their business off the ground".
1 to increase the success of a healthy business: This is incorrect. The expression "to get a business off the ground" is unrelated to "increasing the success of a successful business". The expression implies that a business is either very young or hasn't had very much success.
1 to re-start a failed business: This is incorrect. The expression "to get a business off the ground" is unrelated to "re-start a failed business". The expression implies that a business is either very young or hasn't had very much success.
2 to do something original or unique: This is the best choice here. "To break new ground (in a field)" is to do something innovative within it. For example: Scientists are breaking new ground in stem cell research.
2 to destroy something established: This is incorrect. This expression is unrelated to the destruction of something. However, in another context, "to break ground on a new project" can mean to begin the construction on a project, which might involve destroying stuff.
2 to solve a problem or conflict: This is incorrect. This expression is unrelated to the solving problems or conflicts.
3 to reach an understanding: This is the best choice here. To find common ground (with someone) is to share a common interest, perspective or point of view with them. We often use this idiom during the course of an argument or debate. For example: Although Philip and Susie argued about politics for hours, they found some common ground in their opinion that the president was doing a bad job.
3 to collaborate or work together: This is incorrect. "Finding common ground (with someone)" is unrelated to collaborating or working together with them.
3 to find a solution to a mutual problem: This is incorrect. "Finding common ground (with someone)" is unrelated to finding a solution to a mutual problem.
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