avant-garde
The artist's avant-garde exhibit challenged traditional notions of beauty.
The artist's innovative exhibit broke conventional artistic norms.
new and unusual or experimental ideas, especially in the arts, or the people introducing them.
Pablo Picasso's cubist paintings were considered avant-garde in the early 20th century.
Picasso's cubist style was seen as groundbreaking and unconventional at the time.
The film festival showcased several avant-garde directors pushing cinematic boundaries.
The festival highlighted filmmakers experimenting with radical new techniques.
Often used to describe art, music, literature, or film that is ahead of its time.
a group of people who develop new and often very surprising ideas in art, literature, or music.
The literary magazine was run by a small avant-garde of poets and novelists.
The magazine was led by a radical group of writers experimenting with form.
Can refer to the movement itself or its practitioners.
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Pro Tip
Avoid overusing in casual conversation
While 'avant-garde' is useful for describing artistic innovation, it may sound pretentious in everyday contexts. Use alternatives like 'cutting-edge' or 'experimental' in informal settings.
Gold Rule
Context matters
Reserve 'avant-garde' for artistic, literary, or cultural contexts. Do not use it to describe general technological or scientific innovations unless they are tied to creative fields.
Word Origin
From French, meaning 'vanguard' or 'forefront.' First used in English in the late 19th century to describe art that was ahead of its time. The term originates from military language, where 'avant-garde' referred to the front part of an army.
Usage Notes
Primarily used in artistic and cultural contexts. Avoid using for general innovation unless in a creative field. The term carries a positive connotation of progressiveness.