Definition of springboard

The word "springboard" has its origins in the 17th century. It comes from the Old English words "spring" meaning "to bend or flex" and "board" meaning a flat piece of wood. In its earliest sense, a springboard referred to a flexible, often wooden, board used in shipbuilding to allow workers to reach high areas beneath the hull. The board would bend or spring back into shape when weight was removed, providing a temporary platform for workers. Over time, the term "springboard" took on a metaphorical meaning, referring to a starting point or launching pad for something new or innovative. In this sense, a springboard is an initial step or foundation that allows individuals or ideas to take off and gain momentum. Today, the word is commonly used in a wide range of contexts, from business and education to sports and the arts.