advanced; advancing
Definition of advance
(Entry 1 of 3)
1
: to accelerate the growth or progress of
advance a cause
2
: to bring or move forward
advance a pawn
3
: to raise to a higher rank
was advanced from clerk to assistant manager
5
: to bring forward in time
especially
: to make earlier
advance the date of the meeting
6
: to bring forward for notice, consideration, or acceptance : propose
advance an idea
7
: to supply or furnish in expectation of repayment
advance a loan
8
: to raise in rate : increase
advance the rent
advance
nounDefinition of advance (Entry 2 of 3)
1
: a moving forward
halted the enemy's advances
2a
: progress in development
… mistaking material advance for spiritual enrichment.— H. J. Laski
b
: a progressive step : improvement
an advance in medical technique
3
: a rise in price, value, or amount
The workers won wage advances.
4
: a first step or approach made (as to gain favor or form an acquaintance)
especially
: the act of speaking to someone in an effort to start a sexual relationship
—usually plural
She rejected his advances. The report alleges that the supervisor repeatedly made unwanted/improper sexual advances towards subordinates.
5
: a provision of something (such as money or goods) before a return is received
I need an advance on my salary.
also
: the money or goods supplied
received a $100,000 advance on his new book
in advance
in advance of
1
: to, toward, or in a place or position ahead
sent scouts out in advance
2
: before a deadline or an anticipated event
made reservations in advance
: ahead of
made preparations several days in advance of her arrival
advance
adjectiveDefinition of advance (Entry 3 of 3)
1
: made, sent, or furnished ahead of time
advance sales
2
: going or situated before
an advance party of soldiers
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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Time Traveler for advance
The first known use of advance was in the 15th century
See more words from the same century