frontier
A frontier is a border between two countries. It is also the edge of a land where people have just started to live and build.
Examples
3 of 5The travelers reached the frontier at midnight.
The people traveling arrived at the border at 12:00 AM.
International law defines the frontier between the two nations.
World laws explain the border line between the two countries.
Living on the frontier was very hard for the family.
Living at the edge of the wild land was difficult for the family.
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of the 'Front' of a 'Tier' (level) - it is the very front edge of where we are going.
Quick Quiz
The explorers wanted to see what was beyond the ________.
Correct!
The correct answer is: frontier
Examples
The travelers reached the frontier at midnight.
everydayThe people traveling arrived at the border at 12:00 AM.
International law defines the frontier between the two nations.
formalWorld laws explain the border line between the two countries.
Living on the frontier was very hard for the family.
informalLiving at the edge of the wild land was difficult for the family.
The study of Mars is the next frontier for science.
academicLearning about Mars is the next big step for science.
Our firm seeks to open a new frontier in the Asian market.
businessOur company wants to start new business in Asia.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
the final frontier
the last place left to explore (often used for space)
frontier spirit
the brave feeling of people exploring new lands
scientific frontier
the most advanced part of science
Often Confused With
A border is a specific legal line; a frontier is the wider area or region near that line.
A front is the forward part of something; a frontier is a boundary of a territory.
Usage Notes
Use 'frontier' when talking about history or the limits of what humans know. It sounds more adventurous than the word 'border'.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes use 'frontier' for the front of a house, but 'front' should be used instead.
Memory Tip
Think of the 'Front' of a 'Tier' (level) - it is the very front edge of where we are going.
Word Origin
From the Old French word 'frontiere', meaning the front part or the borderland of a country.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In American history, 'The Frontier' refers to the westward moving border of European settlement.
Quick Quiz
The explorers wanted to see what was beyond the ________.
Correct!
The correct answer is: frontier
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