advance

Universal Words noun, verb, adjective noun forward movement 1 [C] the forward movement of a group of people, especially armed forces: We feared that an advance on the capital would soon follow. * enemy advances development 2 [C,U] ~ (in sth) progress or a development in a particular activity or area of understanding: recent advances in medical science * We live in an age of rapid technological advance. * major advances in the field of physics money 3 [C,usually sing.] money paid for work before it has been done or money paid earlier than expected: They offered an advance of ｣5000 after the signing of the contract. * She asked for an advance on her salary. * The bank will give you an advance of 95% of the purchase price. sexual 4 (advances) [pl.] attempts to start a sexual relationship with sb: He had made advances to one of his students. * She rejected his sexual advances. price increase 5 [C] ~ (on sth) an increase in the price or value of sth: Share prices showed significant advances today. IDIOMS in advance (of sth) 1 before the time that is expected; before sth happens: a week / month / year in advance * The rent is due one month in advance. * It's cheaper if you book the tickets in advance. * People were evacuated from the coastal regions in advance of the hurricane. 2 more developed than sb/sth else: Galileo's ideas were well in advance of the age in which he lived. verb move forward 1 [V] ~ (on / towards sb/sth) to move forward towards sb/sth, often in order to attack or threaten them or it: The mob advanced on us, shouting angrily. * The troops were finally given the order to advance. * They had advanced 20 miles by nightfall. * the advancing Allied troops * She closed the door firmly and advanced towards the desk. compareRETREAT develop 2 if knowledge, technology, etc. advances, it develops and improves: [V] Our knowledge of the disease has advanced considerably over recent years. * [VN] This research has done much to advance our understanding of language learning. help to succeed 3 [VN] to help sth to succeed SYNFURTHER: Studying for new qualifications is one way of advancing your career. * They worked together to advance the cause of democracy. money 4 ~ sth (to sb)