advance

(ăd-vănsˈ)

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

1. To cause to move forward: advance a chess piece.
2. To put forward; propose or suggest: advanced a novel theory during the seminar.
3. To aid the growth or progress of: advanced the cause of freedom.
4. To raise in rank; promote.
5. To cause to occur sooner: advance a deadline by one week.
6. To raise in amount or rate; increase.
7. To pay (money or interest) before due.
8. To supply or lend, especially on credit.
9. 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).
10. Archaic To lift.

verb, intransitive

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

noun

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

adjective

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

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.