26984 words

advance

24 definitions • 53 examples
1
to go or move something forward, or to develop or improve something:

Examples:

The fire advanced steadily through the forest.
We have advanced greatly in our knowledge of the universe.
He's just trying to advance (= improve) his own career.
advance on The troops advanced on the city (= approached it, ready to attack).
advance the cause Her study has considerably advanced (= helped) the cause of equal rights.
2
to pay someone some money before the regular time:

Examples:

[ + two objects ] Could you advance me £500 until Tuesday?
3
to suggest an idea or theory:

Examples:

the theory advanced in this article
4
If something such as a share price advances, it increases in value:

Examples:

On the New York Stock Exchange, 1,228 issues advanced and 1,157 declined.
5
the forward movement of something, or an improvement or development in something:

Examples:

Recent advances in medical science mean that this illness can now be cured.
Nothing could stop the advance of the floodwaters.
6
money paid to someone before the regular time:

Examples:

an advance on She asked for a £300 advance on her salary.
7
an attempt to start a sexual or romantic relationship with someone:

Examples:

sexual advances She claimed that he made sexual advances towards her.
8
something such as a share price that increases in value:

Examples:

9
happening, done, or ready before an event:

Examples:

advance notice We got no advance notice of the changes.
advance warning She gave me advance warning that she would visit the next day.
advance payment/booking
10
to go or move something forward, or to develop or improve something:

Examples:

[ T ] Research has advanced our understanding of the virus.
[ I ] Tonight’s winner advances to the semifinals.
11
happening before an event:

Examples:

We got no advance warning of the changes.
12
money paid before something happens:

Examples:

Most authors get an advance on royalties they’ll earn later.
13
an act of moving something forward or improving something:

Examples:

[ U ] The army’s advance was halted.
[ C ] fig. She rejected his unwelcome advances (= attempts to make her interested in him).
14

Examples:

Doctors believe that the findings represent a major advance in treating heart disease.
The government's White Paper embodies the hopes of those who believe in the advance of the digital age.
15
money that is paid to a person or organization before the usual time or before a piece of work is finished:

Examples:

Publishers generally pay an advance once the author finishes the manuscript.
The US singer will receive a $17.5m cash advance on signing the 10-year contract.
16
an increase in the price or value of something such as a share or a currency:

Examples:

advance in sth Every one yen advance in the Japanese currency's value against the dollar could reduce current profits by as much as five billion yen.
17
before something else happens or is done:

Examples:

Ticket prices are cheaper if bought in advance.
Rating agencies issued statements of the city's financial condition in advance of this week's sale of $500 million in bonds.
18
to develop and become successful, or to make something do this:

Examples:

Biotechnology continues to advance at a rapid pace.
advance to sth She eventually advanced to vice-chairman of the bank.
advance your career/interests/position Some employees decide to study for an MBA in order to advance their careers.
19
to increase in value:

Examples:

On the New York Stock Exchange 1,128 issues advanced and 1,057 declined .
advance 5.5 cents/8p/10.9 points, etc. The general stock index advanced 1.94 points, or 0.04%, to 5291.45.
advance against sth The dollar advanced against the Japanese yen.
20
to increase in number, amount, or value:

Examples:

Pre-tax profits advanced 10% to €252m.
21
to suggest a new idea or plan to a group of people:
22
to give someone money before the usual time or before a piece of work is finished:

Examples:

advance sb sth Two weeks ago I hired him, and advanced him $10,000.
advance sth to sb Evidence shows that lenders are becoming more discriminating in advancing loans to borrowers.
23
to change the date or time of an event to an earlier one:

Examples:

No plans were made to advance the board meeting.
24
done or made before something else happens:

Examples:

Critics argue that advance planning would have little impact on final policy decisions.
advance knowledge/information Having advance information can be a powerful tool to negotiating a rate on a loan.
advance bookings/sales/subscriptions Advance sales are down by about 3%.
Russell has been offered an advance payment of $450,000 for her next novel.

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