advantage

¹ad·van·tage

noun \əd-ˈvan-tij\

Definition of ADVANTAGE

1

: superiority of position or condition <higher ground gave the enemy the advantage>

2

: a factor or circumstance of benefit to its possessor <lacked the advantages of an education>

3

a : benefit, gain; especially : benefit resulting from some course of action <a mistake which turned out to our advantage>

b obsolete : interest 2a

4

: the first point won in tennis after deuce

— to advantage

: so as to produce a favorable impression or effect <wishing to be seen to advantage>

Examples of ADVANTAGE

1. Higher ground gave the enemy the advantage.
2. He has an unfair advantage over us because of his wealth.
3. His plan has the advantage of being less expensive than other options.
4. He lacked the advantages of an advanced education.
5. Speed is an advantage in most sports.
6. The company's only advantage over the competition is its location.
7. Applicants for this job will find that previous experience is an advantage.
8. Being able to set your own schedule is one of the advantages of owning a business.
9. Among the advantages of a small college is its campus life.
10. There isn't any advantage in leaving early.

Origin of ADVANTAGE

Middle English avantage, from Anglo-French, from avant before, from Late Latin abante

First Known Use: 1523

Related to ADVANTAGE

Synonyms

better, bulge, catbird seat, drop, edge, high ground, inside track, jump, pull, stead, upper hand, vantage, whip hand, coign of vantage

Antonyms

disadvantage, drawback, handicap, liability, minus, penalty, strike

Related Words

allowance, head start, lead, leg up, margin, odds, start; ascendancy (also ascendency), command, dominance, mastery, predominance, superiority, supremacy, transcendence, transcendency; precedence, preference, prerogative, privilege, seniority; break, foothold, opportunity; benefit, blessing, boon, felicity, godsend, manna, windfall

Near Antonyms

detriment, stranglehold; disparity, imbalance, inequality, unevenness; disability, failing, impairment, shortcoming; bar, catch, check, clog, crimp, embarrassment, hindrance, hitch, hurdle, impediment, interference, let, manacle, obstacle, obstruction, rub, shackle, stop, trammel; lurch, setback

²advantage

transitive verb

advantagedadvantag·ing

Definition of ADVANTAGE

: to give an advantage to : benefit

Examples of ADVANTAGE

1. <there's no question that that bicycle racer was significantly advantaged by a great set of genes>

First Known Use of ADVANTAGE

1549

Related to ADVANTAGE

Synonyms

benefit, avail, help, profit, serve

Related Words

succeed, work (for); aid, assist; better, improve; content, delight, gladden, gratify, please, satisfy; bless

Near Antonyms

hinder, impede; damage, harm, hurt, impair, injure; afflict, distress, upset