verb
advance
uhd-VAHNS
verb
1
To move forward, or to help something make progress.
"The troops advanced under cover of darkness."
"New research has advanced our understanding of the disease."
2
To give money before it is normally due.
"The publisher advanced her $10,000 before the book was finished."
noun
1
Forward movement or progress, or money paid before it is due.
"The advance of technology has changed how we work."
"He received an advance on his salary to cover the move."
adj
1
Happening or done ahead of time.
"Advance tickets are cheaper than tickets bought at the door."
How to Use Advance
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo move forward or make progress, or money given ahead of time.
Common pairings
advance notice
cash advance
advance in years
advance payment
Word Forms
more advance comparative, advanced past tense, advances plural, advances singular, most advance superlative
Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.
Test yourself on “advance”
A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage
→
Fill the Gap
Can you complete this real example?
The troops _____ under cover of darkness.
Etymology
From Anglo-Norman avauncier, ultimately from Late Latin ab ante ("from before"); a "d" was later added to match Latin ad-.