First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
1advance
verb ad·vance \əd-ˈvan(t)s\
: to move forward
: to move (someone or something) forward
: to go forward : to make progress : to continue in a process of development, aging, etc.
ad·vancedad·vanc·ing
Full Definition of ADVANCE
transitive verb
1
: to accelerate the growth or progress of <advance a cause>
2
: to bring or move forward <advance a pawn>
3
: to raise to a higher rank
4
archaic : to lift up : raise
5
: to bring forward in time; especially : to make earlier <advance the date of the meeting>
6
: to bring forward for notice, consideration, or acceptance : propose <advance an idea>
7
: to supply or furnish in expectation of repayment <advance a loan>
8
: to raise in rate : increase <advance the rent>
intransitive verb
1
: to move forward : proceed <an advancing army>
2
: to make progress : increase <advance in age>
3
: to rise in rank, position, or importance <advance through the ranks>
4
: to rise in rate or price <advancing wages>
— ad·vanc·er noun
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See advance defined for kids
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Origin of ADVANCE
Middle English advauncen, from Anglo-French avancer, from Vulgar Latin *abantiare, from Late Latin abante in front, from Latin ab- + ante before — more at ante-
Synonym Discussion of ADVANCE
advance, promote, forward, further mean to help (someone or something) to move ahead. advance stresses effective assisting in hastening a process or bringing about a desired end <advance the cause of peace>. promote suggests an encouraging or fostering and may denote an increase in status or rank <a campaign to promote better health>. forward implies an impetus forcing something ahead <a wage increase would forward productivity>. further suggests a removing of obstacles in the way of a desired advance <used the marriage to further his career>.
2advance
noun
: forward movement
: progress in the development or improvement of something
: a rise in price, value, or amount
Full Definition of ADVANCE
1
: a moving forward
2
a : progress in development <mistaking material advance for spiritual enrichment — H. J. Laski> b : a progressive step : improvement <an advance in medical technique>
3
: a rise in price, value, or amount
4
: a first step or approach made <her attitude discouraged all advances>
5
: a provision of something (as money or goods) before a return is received; also : the money or goods supplied
— in advance
1
: to, toward, or in a place or position ahead <sent scouts out in advance>
2
: before a deadline or an anticipated event <made reservations in advance>
— in advance of
: ahead of
See advance defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of ADVANCE
1668
Related to ADVANCE
- Synonyms
- advancement, furtherance, going, headway, march, onrush, passage, process, procession, progress, progression
- Antonyms
- recess, recession, regress, regression, retreat, retrogression
Rhymes with ADVANCE
3advance
adjective
: made, sent, or provided at an early time
: going or placed before others
Full Definition of ADVANCE
1
: made, sent, or furnished ahead of time <advance sales>
2
: going or situated before <an advance party of soldiers>
See advance defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of ADVANCE
1701
ADVANCING Defined for Kids
1advance
verb ad·vance \əd-ˈvans\
ad·vancedad·vanc·ing
Definition of ADVANCE for Kids
1
: to move forward <Advance your piece five spaces on your next turn.>
2
: to help the progress of <Laws were passed that advance freedom.>
3
: to raise to a higher rank : promote <She was advanced from teller to assistant bank manager.>
4
: to give ahead of time <My boss advanced me 100 dollars from my wages.>
5
: propose 1 <The candidate advanced a new plan.>
2advance
noun
Definition of ADVANCE for Kids
1
: a forward movement <Troops tried to halt the enemy's advance.>
2
: progress in development : improvement <advances in medicine>
3
: a rise in price, value, or amount
4
: a first step or approach <friendly advances>
5
: money given ahead of the usual time <I asked for an advance on my salary.>
— in advance
: before an expected event <You knew a week in advance about the test.>
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