The idiom “ahead of one’s time“ refers to someone having ideas, attitudes, or qualities that are too progressive or innovative to be fully understood or appreciated by the society or period in which they live. Often, this phrase is used to describe visionaries whose contributions are recognized only after their time. Let’s explore its meaning, examples, and usage.
Meaning of “Ahead of one’s time”
To say someone is “ahead of their time“ means they possess advanced or forward-thinking ideas or behaviors that are not yet widely accepted or appreciated. These individuals often face criticism or are misunderstood because their ideas are too innovative for the current cultural or societal norms.
Examples of “Ahead of one’s time” in sentences
People buy that artist’s work now, but his paintings were laughed at when he was alive. He was truly ahead of his time.
Mary’s grandmother was ahead of her time in wanting to study medicine, as it wasn’t common for women to pursue such careers in her era.
The inventor’s groundbreaking technology wasn’t embraced until years later—he was simply ahead of his time.
When to use “Ahead of one’s time”
This idiom is typically used when describing individuals whose progressive ideas or actions weren’t fully appreciated during their lifetime or during the time period they lived in. It can be applied to artists, scientists, thinkers, or anyone whose innovations or beliefs were too advanced for their contemporaries.
For example, you could use this phrase to describe someone who was pioneering in their field but faced resistance or lack of understanding from others at the time.
Equivalent expressions
Here are some alternative phrases that convey a similar meaning to “ahead of one’s time“:
- A visionary: Someone with foresight who can imagine future possibilities before others.
- A trailblazer: A person who is the first to do something, paving the way for others.
- Before their time: Another phrase to describe someone whose ideas were too early for their generation to fully grasp.
The idiom “ahead of one’s time“ honors individuals whose forward-thinking ideas and innovations weren’t appreciated or understood in their era. It celebrates those who dared to be different and paved the way for future generations.
