pioneer
Be among the first to develop or apply something new
Examples
In a meeting
“Our team pioneered the use of AI in customer sentiment analysis.”
Over coffee
“My grandmother pioneered a lot of feminist ideas in her community.”
Why this word
lead
pioneer specifically means being first to explore or develop something new, while lead is general guidance
initiate
pioneer emphasizes groundbreaking exploration in new territory, while initiate just means starting something
innovate
pioneer focuses on being first into uncharted territory, while innovate emphasizes newness without necessarily being first
Usage tip
Use to emphasize being first or early in adopting innovations; conveys leadership and risk-taking.
Etymology
Old French 'paonier' (foot soldier), later meaning one who goes before to prepare the way
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Related words
delegate
To assign a task or responsibility to someone else.
proactive
Acting in advance to deal with expected situations
incubate
Develop ideas or projects gradually through nurturing conditions
conceive
Form or devise an original idea or plan
prototype
Create an early working model to test concepts
revolutionize
Transform something fundamentally and dramatically