Ahead: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿ‘
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ahead

 

[ ษ™หˆhษ›d ]

Adverb / Adjective / Noun
Oxford 3000
Context #1 | Adverb

in front

In or toward the front; in advance.

Synonyms

forward, in advance, in front.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
ahead

Similar to the previous 'ahead,' but focusing more on mental or strategic preparation.

  • Think ahead about what you will need for the trip.
  • Planning ahead can save you a lot of trouble.
in front

Best used when describing a physical location or position relative to another object or person.

  • He stood in front of the building.
  • She parked her car in front of the house.
forward

Commonly used in contexts involving direction, movement, or progression. It conveys a sense of motion towards a goal or the future.

  • Move forward and you'll see the sign.
  • We need to push forward with this project.
in advance

Used when indicating that something is done before a certain point in time, often to prepare or prevent problems.

  • Please let us know in advance if you can't attend.
  • You must book your tickets in advance.

Examples of usage

  • She saw a man walking ahead of her.
  • The car ahead was going too slow for my liking.
Context #2 | Adjective

leading

Having a lead or advantage in a race or competition.

Synonyms

ahead of the competition, in the lead, leading.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
ahead

Generally used to describe being in front or in advance in time, space, or position.

  • He looked ahead and saw the finish line.
  • We need to plan ahead for the trip.
leading

Can describe being the most important or successful in a particular field or at the front in a race or competition. Sometimes also used for negative connotations, such as leading someone astray.

  • They are the leading company in renewable energy.
  • He was leading the group through the forest.
  • He is leading his followers down a dangerous path.
in the lead

Typically used in competitive settings, like sports or races, to describe being first or most advanced.

  • She is currently in the lead in the marathon.
  • Our team is in the lead after the first half.
ahead of the competition

Used specifically to describe being in a better or more advanced position compared to others, often in business or sports.

  • Our new marketing strategy has put us ahead of the competition.
  • With their innovative products, they are consistently ahead of the competition.

Examples of usage

  • The team was ahead by three points.
  • She was ahead in the polls.
Context #3 | Noun

future

The time or distance by which one person or thing is ahead of another.

Synonyms

advantage, edge, lead.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
ahead

Use to indicate progress or position in front of others, often in a race or competitive situation.

  • She is three steps ahead in the project timeline.
  • The runner was far ahead of the rest of the pack.
lead

Means to be in the first position or to guide others, often in a race or direction sense.

  • He took the lead early in the race and never looked back.
  • She leads the team with confidence and expertise.
advantage

Used to indicate a favorable or superior position, often in a competitive environment

  • Her bilingual skills give her an advantage in the job market.
  • They had the home-field advantage during the game.
edge

Implies a slight but noticeable lead or superiority, often temporary or in a competitive context.

  • The new feature gives the product an edge over competitors.
  • He had the edge in the debate because of his experience.

Examples of usage

  • He finished with an hour and a half ahead of the next runner.
  • The company is years ahead of its competitors in technology.

Translations

Translations of the word "ahead" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น ร  frente

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค†เค—เฅ‡

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช vorne

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ di depan

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฟะพะฟะตั€ะตะดัƒ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ z przodu

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ๅ‰ๆ–นใซ (ใœใ‚“ใฝใ†ใซ)

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท devant

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ adelante

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท รถnde

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์•ž์— (ap-e)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุฃู…ุงู…

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ vpล™edu

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ vpredu

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅ‰้ข (qiรกnmiร n)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ spredaj

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ frammi

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะฐะปะดั‹ะฝะดะฐ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒฌแƒ˜แƒœ

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ รถndษ™

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ adelante

Etymology

The word 'ahead' originated in Middle English, from 'on' (in) and 'head' (the front part of the body). It has been used since the 14th century to indicate a position in front or in advance of something or someone. Over time, 'ahead' has evolved to also mean having a lead or advantage in various contexts, such as in races or competitions. Today, it is a common adverb, adjective, and noun used in everyday language.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,073, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.