abreast Hear it!

abreast Definition

abreast (ə brest)

adverb, adjective

  1. side by side, as in going or facing forward: often with of or with
  2. informed (of) or conversant (with) recent developments

Etymology: a- + breast

abreast Synonyms

abreast

modif.

  1. Side by side

    level, equal, side by side, abeam of, against, off, stem to stem, bow to bow, over against, on a line with, by the side of, alongside, beside, next to, in one line, in alignment, shoulder to shoulder, in line; see also beside, next 2.

  2. Acquainted with recent developments

    informed, knowledgeable, up-to-date, au courant (French); see knowledgeable.

abreast Usage Examples

Preposition: on

  • road: We often have horse riders riding two abreast on narrow roads refusing to move into a single file.

Adjective complement with noun phrase

  • keep: We also keep the organization abreast of external events which are relevant to the development of our practice areas.

Modifying Another Word

  • fully: Throughout the course of the claim, the solicitor handling the matter will need to be kept fully abreast about all issues surrounding care.
  • up: By and by I closed up abreast of his tail.
  • always: Being on the same floor as donor recruitment also ensures that the agents are always abreast of marketing activity.

Used with adjective complement

  • keep: Keeping abreast of these changes has put us in a good position to meet the needs of the changing public health agenda.
  • stay: The Better Business team are working to help you to stay abreast of what's going on.
  • remain: Whilst overseas, it was important to remain abreast of the UK planning system.
  • ride: Should there be more than one priest present they ride abreast.
  • walk: We must, therefore, ascend the stair, which is wide enough to admit four or five persons walking abreast.
  • come: As the boat came abreast of the towering rock, some members of the crew loaded and ran out a small brass cannon.

Preposition: of

  • trend: It allows parents to stay abreast of current trends in special education.
  • development: Sign up now | Read past editions Weekly Small Business News Stay abreast of the latest developments in the UK small business world.
  • affair: Stevan | Tuesday, April 08, 2003 | | Keeping abreast of current affairs I found this.
  • advance: You need to keep abreast of advances in ICT to ensure these elements are put into practice effectively across the curriculum.
  • thinking: Every two years I visit the Retail Week conference to keep abreast of modern thinking.
  • legislation: The Governor Support Team is constantly striving to keep each governor abreast of new legislation to assist them in their role.

Preposition: with

  • development: These evening seminars provide detailed learning on specific areas of the law and are invaluable for staying abreast with the latest legal developments.
  • change: The Celtic Churches could no longer keep abreast with any changes which the Gauls might think fit to make in their liturgy.
  • technology: However Steve felt that to have a successful business he needed to stay abreast with new technology.
abreast Quotes

Something there is that doesn't love a wall, That sends the frozen-ground-swell under it, And spills the upper boulders in the sun; And makes gaps even two can pass abreast.

—Frost, Robert Lee

Browse dictionary entries near abreast

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  8. abranchiate
  9. abranchial
  10. Abram
  1. abridgable
  2. abridge
  3. abridgeable
  4. abridged
  5. abridgement
  6. abridger
  7. abridging
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  9. abroach
  10. abroad