advance
B1Neutral (used in all registers)
Definition
Meaning
To move forward or make progress in position, time, or development.
To offer or propose something for consideration (an idea/theory); to lend money before it is due; to promote or raise in rank; to bring forward in time.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Highly polysemous word functioning as verb, noun, and adjective. As a noun, it can refer to forward movement, progress, a payment made before due, or an amorous approach. The adjectival use ('advance party', 'advance warning') often denotes something preparatory or preliminary.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major lexical differences. Both use 'advance' and 'advanced' (adjective) distinctly. Minor potential variation in phrasing: UK may slightly favour 'in advance of' over US 'ahead of' but both are standard.
Connotations
Identical core connotations. In business contexts ('cash advance'), the term is neutral in both varieties.
Frequency
Similar high frequency in both. Possibly slightly higher in UK formal writing for 'advance notice/warning'.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
advance (on/towards sth/sb)advance sth (to sb)advance (that) + clauseadvance + distance/timeadvance sb (to sth)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “in advance of”
- “make advances (to/towards someone)”
- “advance by leaps and bounds”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to early payments ("We require a 50% advance"), planning ("advance planning"), or career progression.
Academic
Used for theoretical or methodological progression ("advances in neuroscience") and proposing arguments.
Everyday
Common for bookings/tickets ("book in advance"), warnings, and physical movement.
Technical
In military contexts ("advance on the position"), publishing ("advance proof"), or engineering ("advance the timing").
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The troops began to advance at dawn.
- Could I possibly advance my appointment to an earlier time?
- He advanced a compelling argument for reform.
American English
- The storm is advancing toward the coast.
- The company will advance you the money for travel.
- She advanced quickly to a management position.
adverb
British English
- Book your tickets advance to save money.
- (Note: 'Advance' is not standardly used as an adverb; 'in advance' is the adverbial phrase.)
American English
- Please call advance if you need to cancel.
- (Note: 'Advance' is not standardly used as an adverb; 'in advance' or 'ahead of time' is used.)
adjective
British English
- Please give us advance notice of any changes.
- The advance team has secured the venue.
- We received an advance copy of the report.
American English
- We need advance warning for system maintenance.
- He's part of the advance crew setting up the rally.
- Her advance ticket guaranteed a seat.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Please pay in advance.
- The car advanced slowly.
- We got an advance warning about the rain.
- Technology has advanced a lot in ten years.
- I need to book the hotel two weeks in advance.
- He received a cash advance from his employer.
- The theory she advanced challenged established beliefs.
- Despite early advances, the army's progress stalled.
- The advance publicity for the film was very effective.
- Critics advanced several cogent objections to the policy.
- The research represents a significant advance in renewable energy storage.
- His unwelcome advances made her feel uncomfortable.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of ADvance like ADding forward movement or progress. The 'ad-' prefix often means 'to' or 'toward'.
Conceptual Metaphor
PROGRESS IS FORWARD MOTION (Time, ideas, and careers 'advance'). KNOWLEDGE/COMMUNICATION IS A MOVING OBJECT (He advanced a new theory).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Confusing 'advance' (предоплата, продвижение) with 'advanced' (передовой, сложный).
- Overusing 'advance' for simple future where 'early' or 'beforehand' is better.
- Mistranslating 'make advances to someone' (флиртовать) as simply 'подходить'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'advance' as an adjective synonym for 'advanced' (e.g., 'advance technology'* instead of 'advanced technology').
- Incorrect preposition: 'advance in' a payment* vs. 'advance on' a position.
Practice
Quiz
In the phrase 'advance publicity', what part of speech is 'advance'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is 'advance notice'. 'Advanced' is an adjective meaning 'highly developed' or 'complex'. 'Advance' here is an adjective meaning 'prior' or 'given beforehand'.
'Advance' as a noun is a countable instance of progress or a forward movement. 'Advancement' is usually uncountable and refers to the process of helping something progress, or promotion in a career (e.g., 'career advancement').
Yes. To 'advance someone money' means to lend it to them or pay it to them before the usual time (e.g., 'My employer advanced me my salary').
It means 'before (an event)' or 'ahead of (someone/something)'. (e.g., 'She arrived in advance of the main delegation.').
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