Pronunciation: /ədˈvɑːns/
verb
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1 [no object] move forwards in a purposeful way: he advanced towards the dispatch box the troops advanced on the capital
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move forward in time: as the nineteenth century advanced
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[with object] change the date of (an event) so as to occur earlier than planned: I advanced the schedule by several weeks
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2make or cause to make progress: [no object]: our knowledge is advancing all the time [with object]: it was a chance to advance his own interests
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[no object] (of shares) increase in price: the food group advanced 12p to 639p
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3 [with object] put forward (a theory or suggestion): the hypothesis I wish to advance in this article
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4 [with two objects] lend (money) to (someone): the building society advanced them a loan
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pay (money) to (someone) before it is due: he advanced me a month’s salary
noun
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1a forward movement: the rebels' advance on Madrid was well under way figurative the advance of civilization
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2a development or improvement: advances in engineering techniques [mass noun]: decades of great scientific advance
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an increase in amount or price: share prices showed significant advances
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3an amount of money paid before it is due or for work only partly completed: the author was paid a £250,000 advance
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a loan: an advance from the bank
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4 (usually advances) an approach made to someone with the aim of initiating sexual or amorous relations: her tutor made advances to her
adjective
[attributive]-
done, sent, or supplied beforehand: advance notice
