1 B1 neutral
To move forward with large, energetic leaps or jumps.
"The dog bounded ahead along the trail, stopping occasionally to look back at its owner."
bound ahead
B2 neutral intransitive
To leap or spring forward energetically, or to progress rapidly ahead of others.
In plain English
To jump or move forward very fast and energetically, like a dog running ahead on a walk.
What does "bound ahead" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic neutral
To advance rapidly or make great progress, especially in relation to competitors or expectations.
"The young startup has bounded ahead of its rivals, capturing 30% of the market in just one year."
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To make large, energetic leaps (bounds) in the forward direction.
Actually means
To jump or move forward very fast and energetically, like a dog running ahead on a walk.
Usage tip
More common in literary or descriptive writing than in everyday conversation. Often used to describe animals moving energetically, or figuratively to describe rapid progress.
Words that pair with "bound ahead"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
quickly energetically field competition rivals eagerly
How to conjugate "bound ahead"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
bound ahead
I/you/we/they
3rd person
bounds ahead
he/she/it
Past simple
bounded ahead
yesterday
Past participle
bounded ahead
have + pp
-ing form
bounding ahead
continuous
Hear "bound ahead" in the wild
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