advent
AD-vehnt
Advent (noun) means the arrival or beginning of something significant, especially something that changes things. Example: “The advent of the internet changed how people shop and communicate.”
noun
1
The arrival or beginning of something significant, especially something that changes things.
"The advent of the internet changed how people shop and communicate."
"Doctors have treated the condition more effectively since the advent of the new vaccine."
"The advent of cheap air travel meant ordinary families could holiday abroad."
name
1
The Christian season leading up to Christmas, marking the anticipated arrival of Christ.
"Many families open one door of an Advent calendar each day in December."
How to use advent
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe moment something important first arrives or begins — often used for major changes or, capitalized, for the Christmas run-up.
Common pairings
the advent of
Advent calendar
Advent season
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Word forms
- Plural
- advents
- Third person singular
- advents
- Past tense
- advented
Fill the gap
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The _____ of the internet changed how people shop and communicate.
Etymology
From Latin adventus, meaning "arrival" or "approach."
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “advent” mean?
The word “advent” means the arrival or beginning of something significant, especially something that changes things. In plain terms, the moment something important first arrives or begins — often used for major changes or, capitalized, for the Christmas run-up.
How do you pronounce “advent”?
“Advent” is pronounced AD-vehnt (/ˈæd.vɛnt/ in IPA).
How do you use “advent” in a sentence?
Here is “advent” used in a sentence: “The advent of the internet changed how people shop and communicate.”
What part of speech is “advent”?
Depending on how it is used, “advent” can be a noun and a name.
Where does the word “advent” come from?
The word “advent” comes from Latin. From Latin adventus, meaning "arrival" or "approach.".
Is “advent” a common word?
“Advent” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “advent” have?
“Advent” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the arrival or beginning of something significant, especially something that changes things.
What is the difference between "advent" and "Advent"?
Lowercase "advent" is a general noun meaning the arrival or beginning of something significant, such as "the advent of the internet," while capitalized "Advent" refers specifically to the Christian season leading up to Christmas that marks the anticipated arrival of Christ.
What is the difference between "advent" and "arrival"?
"Arrival" is a neutral word for something coming or showing up, while "advent" specifically implies the beginning of something significant or transformative that changes things going forward.
How is the phrase "the advent of" typically used?
It is commonly used to introduce a major change or new development, as in "the advent of smartphones," highlighting the moment something significant began or arrived.
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