Advance dictionary definition

advance

[ad vans′, əd-]

Search YourDictionary Original Definitions

noun

Advance is defined as a movement forward or an improvement.
Finding a new way to treat cancer is an example of an advance in science.

verb

The definition of advance means to move forward or to raise in importance.
An example of advance is to be promoted at a job.

advance definition by Webster's New World

Search Webster's New World College Dictionary

transitive verb advanced, advancing

to bring forward; move forward: to advance a chessman
to raise in rank, importance, etc.; promote
to help or hasten the success or completion of; further: to advance a project
to put forward; propose
to bring closer to the present; specif.,
1. to cause (a future event) to happen earlier
2. to assign a later date to (a past event)
to raise the rate of; increase: to advance prices
to pay (money) before due
to lend

Origin: Middle English avancen ; from Old French avancer, to forward ; from Vulgar Latin an unverified form abantiare ; from Classical Latin ab-, from plush ante, before: spelling, spelled ad- by associated, association with Classical Latin ad, to, forward

intransitive verb

to go forward; move ahead
to make progress; improve; develop
to rise in rank, importance, etc.
to rise in price or cost; increase

noun

a moving forward
an improvement; progress: new advances in science
a rise in value or cost
approaches to get favor, become acquainted, etc.; overtures (to someone)
a payment made before due, as of wages
a loan

adjective

in front: advance guard
beforehand; ahead of time: advance information

Related Forms:

advancer noun

advance definition by American Heritage Dictionary

Search The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language

verb ad·vanced, ad·vanc·ing, ad·vanc·es verb, transitive

To cause to move forward: advance a chess piece.
To put forward; propose or suggest: advanced a novel theory during the seminar.
To aid the growth or progress of: advanced the cause of freedom.
To raise in rank; promote.
To cause to occur sooner: advance a deadline by one week.
To raise in amount or rate; increase.
To pay (money or interest) before due.
To supply or lend, especially on credit.
To serve as an advance person for (a trip to be made by a politician or a dignitary): “advanced the China trip during which the first trade agreements . . . were signed” (Suzanne Perney).
Archaic To lift.

verb, intransitive

a. To go or move forward or onward.
b. To move against another, as when attacking: advance on the enemy's position.
To make progress; improve.
To rise in rank, position, or value.
To serve as an advance person for a trip to be made by a politician or a dignitary.

noun

The act or process of moving or going forward.
A forward move, as toward an objective; a progressive step: an advance in genetic engineering.
An increase of price or value.
advances Opening approaches made to secure acquaintance, favor, or an agreement; overtures.
a. The furnishing of funds or goods on credit.
b. The funds or goods so furnished; a loan.
a. Payment of money before due: an advance on next month's salary.
b. The money so paid.
Preparation, especially publicity, done prior to the appearance of a public figure or the staging of a public event.

adjective

Made or given ahead of time: an advance payment.
Going before, in front, or forward.

Origin: Middle English avauncen, from Old French avauncer, from Vulgar Latin *abantiāre, from Latin abante, from before : ab-, ab- + ante, before; see ant- in Indo-European roots.

Related Forms:

ad·vancˈer noun

Usage Note: Advance, as a noun, is used for forward movement (the advance of the army) or for progress or improvement in a figurative sense. Advancement is used mainly in the figurative sense: career advancement. In the figurative sense, moreover, there is a distinction between the two terms deriving from the transitive and intransitive forms of the verb advance. The noun advancement (unlike advance) often implies the existence of an agent or outside force. Thus, the advance of science means simply the progress of science, whereas the advancement of science implies progress resulting from the action of an agent or force: The purpose of the legislation was the advancement of science.

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, 4th edition Copyright © 2010 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

advance - Business Definition

Money provided by an employer to an employee before the money is earned. For example, a new employee may seek an advance to pay for moving expenses and necessities. Also called cash advance.
Prepayment for a good or service. Authors often get an advance against royalties from publishers.
An increase in the price of a security.

advance - Investment & Finance Definition

An increase in the price of a security.

Wall Street Words: An A to Z Guide to Investment Terms for Today's Investor by David L. Scott. Copyright © 2010 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.