break through
BRAYK THROO
/breɪk θruː/
To force a way through a barrier; to make a sudden discovery or success.
Suggests overcoming significant resistance or a long-standing obstacle.
The story behind the word. Originally a military term for an army smashing through a defensive line, it was adopted by science and psychology in the 20th century to describe mental or technical progress.
Word relationships
- penetrate: Penetrate is more formal and often used in technical or scientific contexts.
- overcome: Overcome is broader and doesn't always imply a physical 'breaking' action.
- fail: Failing to pass a barrier is the opposite of a breakthrough.
Commonly confused with
- break into: Break into usually implies illegal entry (burglary).
Word family
- breakthrough (noun): A major discovery or development.
Collocations
- break through the clouds
- break through a barrier
- break through the silence
Example sentences
- "Scientists are hoping to break through the current limitations of battery technology." A scientific discovery.
- "The army managed to break through the enemy's front lines after weeks of fighting." A military context.
Memory hook
Imagine a wall of glass that you finally smash through to reach the other side. Break through the wall.
When not to use
Don't use it for simply walking through a door; it requires a 'barrier' (physical or mental).
Fun facts
- In sports, a 'breakthrough season' is when an athlete suddenly becomes much more successful than before.
Explore more words
breakthrough, pioneer, break down, insightful, trailblazer, surpass
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