noun
advantage
uhd-VAHN-tihj
noun
1
Something that puts you in a better or more favorable position than others.
"Speaking three languages gave her a big advantage in the job market."
"Home-field advantage often boosts a team's confidence."
2
In tennis, the point scored right after deuce, needed to win the game.
"She won the advantage point and then closed out the set."
verb
1
To give someone or something a favorable edge.
"The new rules advantage smaller businesses over large corporations."
How to Use Advantage
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA benefit or edge that puts you ahead of others.
Common mistake
Take advantage OF an opportunity (positive), but take advantage OF a person can mean exploiting them — context decides which sense applies.
Common pairings
take advantage of
to your advantage
competitive advantage
unfair advantage
Word Forms
advantaged past tense, advantages plural, advantages singular
Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.
Test yourself on “advantage”
A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage
→
Fill the Gap
Can you complete this real example?
Speaking three languages gave her a big _____ in the job market.
Etymology
From Old French avantage, from avant meaning "before" — the same root that gives us "advance."