advance
UK[ədˈvɑːns]US[ədˈvæns]
v
To move forward or make progress.
v
To help something to succeed or develop.
v
To suggest an idea or theory for consideration.
v
To give money before the usual time.
n
A forward movement or development.
n
An amount of money paid before it is due.
adj
Done, sent, or supplied before the usual or expected time.
Morpheme Breakdown
ad
vance
ad
to
vance
front
Etymology
The word "advance" originates from the Latin phrase ab ante, meaning "from before." This passed into Old French as avancer, meaning "to move forward." The English word was borrowed from Anglo-French avaunce, with the Latin prefix ad- (to) later being reattached to the root in a process of etymological restoration, reinforcing the sense of motion toward a front. Thus, the literal concept of moving from a position in front evolved into the modern abstract meanings of making progress, proposing ideas, or providing something ahead of schedule.
Analysis
Structure: ad (to) + vance (front)
- ad: Latin prefix meaning "to, toward, near."
- vance: From Latin abante, from ab (from) + ante (before). It functions as the core root meaning "front" or "before."
Examples
The army continued to advance under heavy fire.
The new discovery could advance our understanding of the disease.
She asked her employer for an advance on her salary.