Reading Theme:
Breakthrough: Definition, Usage & Real Examples (3 meaning)
Meaning 1：significant advance (breakthrough)
breakthrough
/ˈbreɪkθruː/
n.
A very important discovery or development that changes the way something is done, especially in science or technology.
significant advance
➕
/sɪɡˈnɪfɪkənt ədˈvɑːns/
n.
A crucial discovery or development that revolutionizes a field, particularly in science or technology.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
Compound of 'break' and 'through', signifying a major advance that overcomes barriers.
💡 Mnemonic
Imagine breaking through a wall to find treasure – that's a breakthrough!
📖 Example
The research team announced a major breakthrough in finding a new treatment for cancer.
The research team reported a major advancement in developing a new cancer treatment.
🔗 Collocations
major breakthrough – A very important discovery or success.
scientific breakthrough – A significant discovery in the field of science.
technological breakthrough – A key development in technology that changes practices.
🔄 Synonyms
innovation (n.) – A new method or idea that brings progress.
discovery (n.) – The act of finding something previously unknown.
advancement (n.) – Progress or improvement in a particular area.
🚫 Antonyms
📖 Cultural Story
Originated in military contexts for penetrating enemy lines, later adopted in science and technology to denote discoveries that 'break through' previous limitations.
Meaning 2：crucial success (breakthrough)
breakthrough
/ˈbreɪkθruː/
n.
A sudden, important discovery or success that solves a key problem in research.
crucial success
➕
/ˈkruːʃəl səkˈsɛs/
n.
A sudden and vital discovery that resolves a major issue in a research context.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
After years of failed attempts, the botanist finally made a breakthrough in cultivating the rare plant under artificial light.
After many unsuccessful efforts, the plant scientist succeeded in growing the rare species using artificial lighting.
🔗 Collocations
research breakthrough – An important discovery made during scientific investigation.
scientific breakthrough – A significant finding in a scientific field.
major breakthrough – A key success that overcomes a critical challenge.
🔄 Synonyms
achievement (n.) – Something accomplished successfully through effort.
success (n.) – The accomplishment of an aim or purpose.
discovery (n.) – The act of finding something new or unknown.
🚫 Antonyms
failure (n.) – Lack of success in achieving a desired result.
stagnation (n.) – A period of little or no progress or growth.
Meaning 3：major progress (breakthrough)
breakthrough
/ˈbreɪkθruː/
n.
A significant and sudden improvement in someone's skills or ability to do something, especially after a period of slow progress.
major progress
➕
/ˈmeɪdʒər ˈprɒɡrɛs/
n.
A notable and abrupt enhancement in an individual's capabilities, often after a phase of gradual advancement.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
After practicing speaking every day for a month, I had a breakthrough in my English fluency and could finally hold a full conversation.
By practicing daily for a month, I achieved a significant leap in my English speaking ability and could engage in complete conversations.
🔗 Collocations
personal breakthrough – A major improvement in one's own skills or understanding.
learning breakthrough – A sudden advancement in the process of acquiring knowledge.
skill breakthrough – A key improvement in a specific ability.
🔄 Synonyms
improvement (n.) – The act of making something better or more effective.
progress (n.) – Forward movement towards a goal or better state.
advance (n.) – A forward step in development or achievement.
🚫 Antonyms
regression (n.) – A return to a less advanced or previous state.
plateau (n.) – A period where little or no change or progress occurs.
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