Basic Details
Word: Avant-garde
Part of Speech: Adjective/Noun
Meaning: Related to new and experimental ideas, especially in art, culture, and politics.
Synonyms: Innovative, experimental, cutting-edge
Antonyms: Conservative, traditional
Idioms and Phrases
- Avant-garde movement: A trend that promotes innovative and unusual ideas. Example: "The avant-garde movement in art challenged traditional perceptions of beauty."
- Push the envelope: To go beyond the usual limits; to be innovative. Example: "His latest film really pushes the envelope in terms of storytelling."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The artist is known for her avant-garde style, incorporating technology into her paintings.
Example 2: This film festival showcases only avant-garde cinema, focusing on works that challenge mainstream narratives.
Example 3: The avant-garde music concert attracted a crowd eager to hear new and unexpected sounds.
Fun Fact
The term "avant-garde" originates from French military terminology, meaning "advance guard," and was used to describe innovative movements in the arts and culture in the 19th and 20th centuries.
Famous Quote
"The avant-garde can be understood as a social force." - Robert Smithson
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "avant-garde" mean?
a) Traditional ideas
b) Related to new and experimental ideas
c) A type of clothing
d) A historical figure
Answer: b) Related to new and experimental ideas
2. Which of these is a synonym of "avant-garde"?
a) Conservative
b) Innovative
c) Routine
d) Ordinary
Answer: b) Innovative
3. Which word is an antonym of "avant-garde"?
a) Groundbreaking
b) Experimental
c) Traditional
d) New
Answer: c) Traditional
4. Which sentence uses "avant-garde" correctly?
a) The avant-garde film was praised for its unique storytelling techniques.
b) The avant-garde flower bloomed beautifully in the garden.
c) She wore an avant-garde dress to the wedding.
d) The avant-garde pizza was topped with traditional ingredients.
Answer: a) The avant-garde film was praised for its unique storytelling techniques.
5. Which idiom relates to the concept of "avant-garde"?
a) Come to the point
b) Push the envelope
c) Take it easy
d) In the same boat
Answer: b) Push the envelope
