Advance
/ədˈvɑːns/
Definitions
4 meaningsTo move forward or make progress.
/ədˈvɑːns/
To move forward
The army advanced on the city.
💡 Simply: To go forward.
More Examples
The project is advancing smoothly.
How It's Used
"The troops advanced on the enemy position."
"He advanced towards the podium to give his speech."
To promote someone to a higher position or rank.
/ədˈvɑːns/
To promote or raise
They advanced him to the position of manager.
💡 Simply: To give someone a better job.
How It's Used
"The company advanced him to a senior position."
A forward movement or progress.
/ədˈvɑːns/
A forward movement
The advance of the army was unstoppable.
💡 Simply: Moving forward.
How It's Used
"The army made a rapid advance."
Money paid before it is due.
/ədˈvɑːns/
Payment made in advance
She received an advance on her book deal.
💡 Simply: Early payment.
How It's Used
"He received an advance on his royalties."
Idioms & expressions
in advance
Beforehand; earlier than expected.
"Please let me know in advance if you can't make it."
From Old French avancer, from avant "before," from Latin ab ante "from before."
Historically, 'advance' was predominantly used in military contexts, referring to troop movements. Its usage has since broadened to encompass various fields.
Memory tip
Think of advancing a chess piece – moving it forward.
Word Origin
"from before"