The very front or most prominent positions, or the leading edges of movements, developments, or armies; plural of forefront.
Compound of 'fore' (before, in front) and 'front' (the forward-facing side). Developed from military terminology describing the front line of battle formations.
When someone says 'at the forefront of technology,' they're using old military language—literally meaning the frontmost soldiers who encounter the enemy first, metaphorically suggesting leadership and pioneering positions.
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