Advance: meaning, definitions and examples

Refers to moving something to an earlier date or time, mainly in scheduling or planning.

• Can we advance the meeting to Tuesday? The deadline has been advanced due to new requirements

Used to describe improvement or development over time, usually in a positive sense and often in educational, professional, or developmental contexts.

• The students are making good progress in their studies
• We need to show significant progress by the end of the quarter

Often used in a formal or semi-formal context to mean continuing with an action or course. It can also imply following instructions or rules.

• After collecting all the data, we will proceed with the analysis
• Please proceed to the next section of the form

A general term to indicate making progress or physically moving ahead. It is commonly used in both formal and informal situations.

• It's time to move forward with our plans
• The line of people slowly moved forward as the gates opened

Also used as a verb, to indicate the act of moving forward or promoting a cause.

• She hopes to advance to a management position within the next year.
• They worked hard to advance the cause of human rights.

Commonly used in professional settings to indicate the act of raising someone to a higher position or increasing awareness of a cause/product; can be both positive or negative.

• The company decided to promote him to the position of senior manager.
• They are planning a campaign to promote the new product.

Indicating the act of raising something to a higher position, either physical or in rank/status; often used in metaphorical or formal contexts.

• We need to elevate the discussion to a more strategic level.
• Winning the award helped elevate her status in the industry.

Typically used in contexts where improvement or enhancement of a product, service, or experience is involved, often in terms of technology or facilities.

• She decided to upgrade her phone to the latest model.
• The hotel upgraded our room to a suite at no extra cost.

Used to indicate early payment, often before the full amount is due. Common in business transactions, reservations, or issuing loans.

• You need to make an advance payment to secure your booking.
• She received an advance on her salary to cover her medical bills.

A general term indicating the transfer of money in exchange for goods or services, can be used in almost any financial transaction.

• The payment for your order has been successfully processed.
• They made a payment on their loan last week.

Used when paying for something before it's due or before receiving the goods or services. Often used in financing and loan repayment contexts.

• He made a prepayment on his mortgage to reduce the total interest.
• We offer discounts for prepayment on annual subscriptions.

Used when referring to a first payment made to reserve or hold something, like renting an apartment or buying expensive items. It often represents a portion of the total cost, with the understanding that the remainder will be paid later.

• You need to pay a $500 deposit to rent this apartment.
• I left a deposit at the hotel to ensure my room would be available.