What's the difference between
and
Enter two words to compare and contrast their definitions, origins, and synonyms to better understand how those words are related.

Forerunner vs Clue - What's the difference?

forerunner | clue | Related terms |

In lang=en terms the difference between forerunner and clue

is that forerunner is by extension, a non-competitor who leads out the competitors on to the circuit, or who runs/rides the course prior to competitor trials, usually testing or checking the way while clue is insight or understanding ("to have a clue [about]" or "to have clue". See have a clue, clue stick.

As nouns the difference between forerunner and clue

is that forerunner is a runner at the front or ahead while clue is a strand of yarn etc. as used to guide one through a labyrinth; something which points the way, a guide.

As a verb clue is

to provide with a clue.

forerunner

English

Noun

(en noun)
  • a runner at the front or ahead
  • (sport) by extension, a non-competitor who leads out the competitors on to the circuit, or who runs/rides the course prior to competitor trials, usually testing or checking the way.
  • a precursor or harbinger, a warning ahead
  • * '>citation
  • a forebear, an ancestor, a predecessor
  • (philately) a postage stamp used in the time before a region or area issues stamps of its own
  • something that introduces a part of the properties offered by some later thing.
    • Bakelite is a forerunner of today's plastics.

    clue

    English

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • A strand of yarn etc. as used to guide one through a labyrinth; something which points the way, a guide.
  • * 1897 , Henry James, What Maisie Knew :
    • she had even had in the past a small smug conviction that in the domestic labyrinth she always kept the clue .
  • Information which may lead one to a certain point or conclusion.
  • An object or a kind of indication which may be used as evidence.
  • (slang) Insight or understanding ("to have a clue [about]" or "to have clue". See have a clue, clue stick)

    • Synonyms

    * (information which may lead one to a certain point or conclusion) hint, indication, suggestion * (object or indication which may be used as evidence) signature

    Derived terms

    * * clueless * cluestick / clue stick * cluey * have a clue * not have a clue

    See also

    * evidence * red herring

    Verb

  • To provide with a clue.
    • The crossword compiler wasn't sure how to clue the word "should".
  • To provide someone with information which he or she lacks (often used with "in" or "up").
    • Smith, clue Jones in on what's been happening.

    Derived terms

    * clued-in * clued-up