The difference between Avant-garde and Vanguard

When used as nouns, avant-garde means the vanguard of an army or other force, whereas vanguard means the leading units at the front of an army or fleet.


Avant-garde is also adjective with the meaning: innovative, pioneering, especially when extremely or obviously so.

check bellow for the other definitions of Avant-garde and Vanguard

  1. Avant-garde as a noun (obsolete):

    The vanguard of an army or other force.

  2. Avant-garde as a noun:

    Any group of people who invent or promote new techniques or concepts, especially in the arts.

  1. Avant-garde as an adjective:

    Innovative, pioneering, especially when extremely or obviously so.

  1. Vanguard as a noun:

    The leading units at the front of an army or fleet.

  2. Vanguard as a noun (by extension):

    The person(s) at the forefront of any group or movement.

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