Phrase guide

jumping-off point

noun · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

noun

Meaning 1

A starting point for a mission, adventure, investigation etc.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: jumping-off place

Antonyms: none provided

2

noun

Meaning 2

a beginning from which an enterprise is launched

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • he uses other people's ideas as a springboard for his own
  • reality provides the jumping-off point for his illusions
  • the point of departure of international comparison cannot be an institution but must be the function it carries out

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: springboard, point of departure

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: beginning, start, commencement

History

Etymology

Includes a deverbal component from jump off.