Words / B1

uhd-VAHNS/ədˈvɑːns/

Ideas, science, and armies advance when they move forward or make progress: technology advances; advance towards a goal. Progress as a verb is close but often intransitive in the same way; improve stresses getting better, not always moving ahead. Advance as a noun appears in in advance (before the time) and an advance in research. Advanced is the adjective for a high level: advanced English. Do not write “advance the exam” when you mean take it earlier — say sit the exam early or bring the date forward.

Meaning

To move forward or to make progress.

Examples

• “Medical science continues to advance each year.”
• “Research into vaccines has advanced rapidly this decade.”
• “Please pay the deposit at least a week in advance.”

Good to know

technology / science advances. Phrase: in advance. Noun: an advance in research. Adjective: advanced. Getting better: improve.

Near in meaning

progress

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