advance
ad-VANSS
/ədˈvɑːns/
To move forward in a purposeful way; to make progress.
A very general word for progress, often implying a steady, step-by-step movement.
The story behind the word. It comes from the Latin 'abante,' meaning 'from before.' It originally meant to move to the front or to the 'before' position.
Word relationships
- progress: Progress is the general state of moving forward; advance often refers to a specific step or achievement.
- retreat: To move back or away from a position.
Commonly confused with
- advantage: Advantage is a benefit; advance is a movement forward.
Word family
- advanced (adjective): Far on in development or time.
- advancement (noun): The promotion of a person in rank or status.
Collocations
- technological advance
- advance rapidly
- major advance
Idioms & expressions
- make headway
- get ahead
Example sentences
- "Recent advances in medical technology have made surgery much safer." Technology
- "He is looking for opportunities to advance his career in the finance industry." Career
Memory hook
Think of an 'Ad-Vance'—a van moving forward to the next stop. Move to the front.
When not to use
Use 'breakthrough' for a sudden leap; 'advance' is better for steady progress.
Fun facts
- In the Middle Ages, an 'advance' was often a payment made before work was completed.
Related words
Explore more words
make progress, advancement, purposeful, gradual, evolve, incremental
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