VOA词汇掌故2023--'State-of-the-Art' Is the Best of Its Time

'State-of-the-Art' Is the Best of Its Time

And now, Words and Their Stories, from VOA Learning English.

On this program we explore words and expressions in the English language. We give definitions, examples, and notes on usage. Sometimes we use them in short conversations.

When it comes to learning a language, using words in conversations is not a state-of-the-art learning method. It is a traditional method that has stood the test of time because it works.

So, what method would be considered state-of-the-art? Talking with an artificial intelligence robot or using some other cutting edge computer technology would be considered state-of-the-art. It would be the newest and best available.

The phrase "state-of-the-art" also describes the highest level of development.

We can use state-of-the-art to describe advancements² in scientific fields. Any major scientific progress can be described as state of the art.

State-of-the-art can also be called top of the line or best in its class.

We can also say something is the pinnacle³ of technology, or the peak of performance if it is state-of-the-art. Another way to express this thought is to say it is on the forefront of technology, development or advancement¹ in a particular field.

Something that is state-of-the-art is innovative⁴.

These terms all have a similar meaning: something is the latest and greatest.

Some word experts say this phrase originated in the early 20th century. It is now very commonly used in both formal and informal situations.

Now, let's hear some of these terms used in a conversation between two friends.

A: Wow, what do you have there?

B: This is my new coffee machine. It is state-of-the-art.

A: I can see that! It's really impressive.

B: It has an on/off setting that I can control from my phone.

A: You can start your coffee from across town.

B: Yes, I can! The bean container is split into four parts. So, I can have different kinds of coffee.

A: That is a great innovation!

B: It gets better. This machine is the pinnacle of coffee technology! Its state-of-the-art technology can also steam milk and add a choice of five different flavorings.

A: Well, enough talking! Let's have a cup of coffee! I'll take mine with caramel flavor and extra frothy milk.

B: Um, yeah. That's going to have to wait for a bit.

A: Why?

B: I don't know how to use it yet. But I will after I read this 20-page instruction book.

A: Got it. I can help. But first ... I'll go get us some coffee.

And that's the end of this Words and Their Stories.

Words in This Story

conversation –n. An informal talk between two or more people

pinnacle –n. the highest point of something

peak –n. the top of something, such as a mountain, that comes to a sharp point

forefront –n. the leading position

1 advancement   

n.前进，促进，提升

参考例句：

• His new contribution to the advancement of physiology was well appreciated.他对生理学发展的新贡献获得高度赞赏。
• The aim of a university should be the advancement of learning.大学的目标应是促进学术。

2 advancements   

n.（级别的）晋升( advancement的名词复数 )；前进；进展；促进

参考例句：

• Today, the pace of life is increasing with technological advancements. 当今， 随着科技进步，生活节奏不断增快。 来自《现代汉英综合大词典》
• Great advancements in drought prediction have been made in recent years. 近年来，人们对干旱灾害的预报研究取得了长足的进步。 来自互联网

3 pinnacle   

n.尖塔，尖顶，山峰；(喻)顶峰

参考例句：

• Now he is at the very pinnacle of his career.现在他正值事业中的顶峰时期。
• It represents the pinnacle of intellectual capability.它代表了智能的顶峰。

4 innovative   

adj.革新的，新颖的，富有革新精神的

参考例句：

• Discover an innovative way of marketing.发现一个创新的营销方式。
• He was one of the most creative and innovative engineers of his generation.他是他那代人当中最富创造性与革新精神的工程师之一。