advances


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ad·vance

 (ăd-văns′)
v. ad·vanced, ad·vanc·ing, ad·vanc·es
v.tr.
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.
v.intr.
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.
n.
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.
adj.
1. Made or given ahead of time: an advance payment.
2. Going before, in front, or forward.
Idioms:
in advance
Ahead of time; beforehand.
in advance of
In front of; ahead of.

[Middle English avauncen, from Old French avauncer, from Vulgar Latin *abantiāre, from Latin abante, from before : ab-, ab- + ante, before; see ant- in Indo-European roots.]

ad·vanc′er n.
Synonyms: advance, forward, foster, further, promote
These verbs mean to cause to move ahead or progress, as toward a goal: advance a worthy cause; forwarding their own interests; fostered friendly relations; furthering your career; efforts to promote sales.
Usage Note: When used as a noun, advance indicates forward movement (the advance of the army) or progress or improvement (an advance in molecular biology). Advancement is usually used figuratively to indicate promotion or movement beyond an established norm: career advancement. Unlike advance, advancement 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.
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

advances

(ədˈvɑːnsɪz)
pl n
(sometimes singular; often foll by to or towards) personal overtures made in an attempt to become friendly, gain a favour, etc
Collins English Dictionary – Complete and Unabridged, 12th Edition 2014 © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1994, 1998, 2000, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2014
Translations
References in classic literature ?
When an invading force crosses a river in its onward march, do not advance to meet it in mid-stream.
When he keeps aloof and tries to provoke a battle, he is anxious for the other side to advance.
A truce was Kutuzov's sole chance of gaining time, giving Bagration's exhausted troops some rest, and letting the transport and heavy convoys (whose movements were concealed from the French) advance if but one stage nearer Znaim.
They were down wind from Tarzan, and so their scent was not carried to him, and as his back was turned half toward them he did not see their cautious advance over the edge of the promontory and down through the rank grass toward the sandy beach where he lay.
A caution equally vigilant was observed in the march, on approaching any defile or place where an enemy might lie in wait; and scouts were always kept in the advance, or along the ridges and rising grounds on the flanks.
Here, I felt, I could defy an army, for but a single foeman could advance upon me at a time, nor could he know that I was awaiting him until he came full upon me around the corner of the turn.
Vertical black figures in twos and threes would advance, stop, watch, and advance again, spreading out as they did so in a thin irregular crescent that promised to enclose the pit in its attenuated horns.
When they had approached within a hundred yards their thoats again became unmanageable and absolutely refused to advance further toward the air craft which had frightened them.
The spirit and virtue of thy master shall advance by thou being his servant: thus wilt thou thyself advance with his spirit and virtue!"
"Advance, and give an account of what you are doing here at this hour."
Werper had still been in advance of Achmet Zek when he reached the forest; but the latter, better mounted, was gaining upon him.
In the mean time the old man continued to advance, until he had got nigh enough to make himself heard without difficulty.

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