break through

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Explanation of the Word "Break Through"

Definition:
"Break through" is a phrasal verb that means to successfully pass through a barrier or obstacle. It can refer to both physical barriers, like walls, and metaphorical ones, like difficulties or challenges.

Usage Instructions:

• "Break through" is often used in contexts where someone overcomes difficulties to achieve something or where something emerges from being hidden or blocked.
• It can be used in both physical and abstract contexts.

Examples:

1. Physical Context:
   • "The rescue team broke through the wall in the mine shaft to save the trapped miners."
2. Abstract Context:
   • "After years of hard work, she finally broke through the barriers in her career and got a promotion."
3. Nature Context:
   • "The sun broke through the clouds, bringing warmth to the chilly morning."

Advanced Usage:

• "Break through" can also refer to significant progress in research or technology. For example:
  • "The scientists made a major breakthrough in cancer research."

Word Variants:

• Breakthrough (noun): This is the noun form of "break through." It refers to a significant development or discovery.
  • Example: "The new vaccine was a major breakthrough in medicine."

Different Meanings:

• In a more figurative sense, "break through" can refer to overcoming personal limitations or societal barriers.
  • Example: "He worked hard to break through the stereotypes in his community."

Synonyms:

• Overcome
• Penetrate
• Surpass
• Conquer

Related Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• Break out: This can mean to escape or to start suddenly (like a fire or an illness).
  • Example: "A fire broke out in the building."
• Break down: This means to stop working or to become very emotional.
  • Example: "The car broke down on the highway."

Summary:

"Break through" is a versatile term used to describe overcoming obstacles, achieving significant progress, or emerging from a difficult situation. It can be used in various contexts, from physical barriers to personal achievements.

Academic

Verb

1. break out
   • The tooth erupted and had to be extracted
2. penetrate
   • The sun broke through the clouds
   • The rescue team broke through the wall in the mine shaft
3. pass through (a barrier)
   • Registrations cracked through the 30,000 mark in the county

Synonyms

• erupt
• come out
• push through
• come through
• crack