advance

To move forward, or help something move forward or develop.

• The troops advanced slowly.
• New research has advanced our understanding of sleep.
• The project advanced despite several delays.

How to use it: advance towards something (The soldiers advanced towards the bridge.)

Similar words: progress, move forward

Opposites: retreat

Common phrases: advance towards something, advance a project, advance slowly

To give someone money before they would usually receive it, or lend them money.

• The bank advanced us the money.
• Could you advance me part of my salary?
• They advanced her a fee before she began writing.

How to use it: advance someone something (My employer advanced me a week's wages.); advance something to someone (The publisher advanced money to the writer.)

Similar words: lend, pay early

Common phrases: advance someone money, advance a payment, advance money to

To give someone a higher position or rank.

• They advanced him to captain.
• The company advanced several employees to management positions.
• She was advanced in rank after years of service.

How to use it: advance someone to something (The board advanced her to a senior position.)

Similar words: promote

Opposites: demote

Common phrases: advance someone to, advance in rank

If something happens in advance, it happens before another event or before it is needed.

• Please pay in advance.
• We booked our rooms three months in advance.
• They sent instructions in advance of the visit.

How to use it: in advance (Please book your tickets in advance.); in advance of something (We received the schedule in advance of the meeting.)

Common phrases: in advance, well in advance, in advance of

A movement forward or a change that makes something better.

• The army's advance continued.
• Recent advances in medicine have saved many lives.
• This discovery represents a major advance in our understanding of stars.

How to use it: an advance in something (This treatment is an advance in medical care.)

Similar words: progress, improvement, step forward

Opposites: retreat, setback

Common phrases: scientific advance, major advance, military advance

Money given before it is normally due, often for work that has not yet been done.

• She received an advance.
• The publisher offered him an advance on his next book.
• Can I get a small advance on my salary?

How to use it: an advance on something (He asked for an advance on his wages.)

Similar words: advance payment

Common phrases: cash advance, salary advance, receive an advance

An increase in the price or value of something.

• Shares showed a small advance.
• The advance in prices worried buyers.
• A further advance in the value of gold seems likely.

How to use it: an advance in something (The report predicts an advance in oil prices.)

Similar words: increase, rise, gain

Opposites: decrease, fall

Common phrases: price advance, advance in value, market advance

Done or provided before it is needed or before an event happens.

• We need advance notice.
• She made an advance booking for dinner.
• The hotel requires an advance payment before arrival.

Similar words: prior, early

Common phrases: advance payment, advance notice, advance booking