to leap; to soar; qualitative leap
Meanings
3 senses · 9 examplesverb
to fly and leap; to soar
Describes the physical action of leaping through the air, often used for animals or in poetic descriptions of movement.
The eagle soars freely in the sky.
The antelope leapt lightly and soared over the stream.
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Sparrows flitted and leaped in the thicket.
verb
to make rapid progress; to leap forward
A metaphorical usage describing rapid and significant development, improvement, or advancement in a field, skill, or technology.
China's technology has achieved leapfrog development in the past decade.
Her English proficiency made a qualitative leap during her study abroad.
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This invention enabled a giant leap in human communication.
noun
qualitative leap; leap (in philosophy)
formalA philosophical and dialectical term referring to a qualitative change, the transition from an old state to a fundamentally new one. It can occur through a sudden 'burst' or through gradual accumulation of new elements.
The transition from liquid to gas is a qualitative leap.
Changes in social systems are often not gradual but are achieved through leaps.
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When quantitative changes accumulate to a certain degree, they will cause a qualitative leap.