Words / C1

GROWNDBR-ayk-ing/ˈɡraʊndbreɪkɪŋ/

Groundbreaking means introducing important new methods or ideas: groundbreaking research. Innovative (this batch) is a close cousin; original is milder. Ground-breaking as two words still appears. It is a strong claim — examiners notice hype. Do not call a new font groundbreaking.

Meaning

Using new ideas or methods; innovative in an important way.

Examples

• “Groundbreaking is a strong claim: show what nobody had measured before.”
• “Call it groundbreaking only if the paper measured what nobody had measured.”
• “A groundbreaking ceremony is the literal first spade; academic use is the metaphor.”

Good to know

Genuinely new and important. Close: innovative. Milder: original. Strong claim: evidence required. Literal: first spade in soil.

Near in meaning

innovative

New