The spelling of "front runner" uses the letter combination "fr" representing the sound /fr/, followed by "o" pronounced as /ɒ/ and "nt" pronounced as /nt/. The stress falls on the first syllable, giving the word its rhythmic quality. The final sound "er" is pronounced as /ər/, completing the phonetic makeup of this compound noun. A front runner refers to someone who is leading in a competition, race or poll. It is crucial to know correct spelling of words to communicate effectively.
A "front runner" refers to a person, organization, or idea that is considered to be in the lead or favored to win in a competition, election, or any other kind of contest or undertaking. It is a term predominantly used in the realm of politics, sports, and business.
In a political context, a front runner is a candidate who is perceived to have the highest chances of winning an election, often based on opinion polls, fundraising success, or previous accomplishments. They are typically considered the most popular or influential individual within their party or campaign. In sports, a front runner is the participant or team expected to win a specific event or championship due to their superior performance, ranking, or skill level.
In the business domain, a front runner is an organization or product that has established a significant advantage over its competitors in terms of market share, sales, brand recognition, or innovation. It often signifies the dominant entity within an industry, pioneering new ideas or technologies that set the standard for others to follow.
Being a front runner implies being at the forefront or ahead of others, both in terms of accomplishments and expectations. However, while a front runner often begins with an advantage, their position is not always secure, as they must continuously demonstrate their capability and outperform other competitors to maintain their leading position.
The term "front runner" has its roots in horse racing. It originated in the mid-19th century and was used to describe a horse or jockey who was leading in a race from the start. The word "front" refers to the position at the forefront or front of the race, while "runner" refers to the horse or jockey who is running. Over time, the term "front runner" expanded beyond horse racing and began to be used in various contexts to describe a person or thing that is in the lead or has an advantage over others.