advance

verb

• 1 [no object] move forward, typically in a purposeful way:the troops advanced on the capital she stood up and advanced toward him
• make progress:our knowledge is advancing all the time
• [with object] cause (an event) to occur at an earlier date than planned:I advanced the date of the meeting by several weeks
• [with object] promote or help the progress of (a person, cause, or plan):it was a chance to advance his own interests
• [with object] put forward (a theory or suggestion):the hypothesis I wish to advance in this article
• (especially of shares of stock) increase in price:two stocks advanced for every one that fell

• 2 [with two objects] lend (money) to (someone):the bank advanced them a loan
• pay (money) to (someone) before it is due:he advanced me a month’s salary

noun

• 1a forward movement:the rebels' advance on Madrid was well under way figurativethe advance of civilization
• a development or improvement:genuine advances in engineering techniques decades of great scientific advance
• an increase or rise in amount, value, or price:bond prices posted vigorous advances

• 2an amount of money paid before it is due or for work only partly completed:the author was paid a $250,000 advance I asked for an advance on next month’s salary
• a loan:an advance from the bank

• 3 (usually advances) an approach made to someone, typically with the aim of initiating a sexual encounter:women accused him of making improper advances

adjective

• done, sent, or supplied beforehand:advance notice advance payment