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/ədˈvæns/
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/ədˈvæns/
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/ədˈvæns/
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/ədˈvæns/
Plural
advances
Past Tense
advanced
Past Participle
advanced
Gerund
advancing
3rd Person
advances
Advance is a flexible word that means moving forward — whether physically (like stepping ahead), in time (like scheduling something early), in knowledge or skill (like scientific progress), or in status (like getting a promotion). Think of it as 'going further, faster, or earlier than expected' — whether you're booking a flight two months ahead or AI making breakthroughs in medicine.
The company has made significant advances in renewable energy technology.
Please send your application at least two weeks in advance of the deadline.
She advanced confidently to the podium and delivered a powerful speech.
His advanced knowledge of quantum physics impressed even his professors.
We paid an advance of $500 to secure the venue for our wedding.
ad
Comes from the Latin preposition 'ad', meaning 'to' or 'toward'. It conveys direction, approach, or addition. Examples include advance, adapt, adhere, adopt, address.
vance
Derived from the Latin verb 'ire' (to go) via its frequentative form 'vadere' (to go, proceed), which evolved into Old French 'avancer' and then English 'advance'. The core element '-vance' carries the sense of 'going forward' or 'moving ahead'. Examples include advance, vantage, vanquish (via same Proto-Indo-European root *gʷem- 'to step, come').