What is advance? Pronunciation and usage in English

advance means . Learn how to pronounce and use advance through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of advance

advanceverb/noun

/ədˈvɑːns/
Definition & pronunciation of advance

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "advance" in English. It's a tricky one for some! Here's a breakdown:

1. The Core Sound:

  • "a" as in "father": Start with a short "a" sound, like in the word "father."
  • "d" as in "day": Say the "d" sound.
  • "v" (silent): The "v" is silent in this word. It doesn't affect the pronunciation.
  • "a" as in "say": Now, say the "a" sound again, but this time like in the word "say."
  • "n" as in "no": Say the "n" sound.
  • "c" as in "cat": Say the "c" sound.
  • "e" as in "bed": Finally, say the "e" sound as in "bed."

2. Putting it Together - The Flow:

The whole word flows together like this: "ah-dvance" (with a slight emphasis on the first syllable - "ah").

3. Breakdown into Syllables:

  • ah-d - V (silent) - dvance

4. Helpful Tips & Common Mistakes:

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • Are you a native English speaker, or are you learning? (This helps me tailor the explanation.)

Usage and examples with the word advance in English

Let's break down how to use the word "advance" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with several different meanings! Here's a breakdown, categorized with examples:

1. Movement Forward (Physical)

  • Meaning: To move forward quickly or to make progress.
  • Examples:
    • "The soldiers advanced toward the enemy." (moving forward in a military context)
    • "We advanced to a better view of the ocean." (moving forward physically)
    • "He advanced carefully down the narrow path." (moving forward with caution)

2. Progress or Improvement (General)

  • Meaning: To make progress in a task, area, or situation. It suggests moving forward and getting closer to a goal.
  • Examples:
    • "The company is making good advances in its research." (progressing in research)
    • "She's made significant advances in her recovery." (progressing in her healing)
    • "We’ve made a small advance on the project deadline.” (progressing towards the deadline)

3. Money (Financial)

  • Meaning: This is a very common usage. It refers to money given in the form of a loan, payment, or grant.
  • Types:
    • Advance payment: Paying for something before it's delivered. “We received an advance payment for the catering.”
    • Loan advance: Money lent to someone before it’s needed. "He received an advance on his salary."
    • Grant advance: Money given as part of a larger grant. "The university received an advance on the research grant."
    • Advance (in a negotiation): An initial payment made in a deal, often a percentage of the total. "They offered her a small advance on the book contract.”

4. A New Idea or Approach (Figurative)

  • Meaning: A new idea, method, or technique. Often implies something innovative or forward-thinking.
  • Examples:
    • "His theory represents a significant advance in our understanding of the disease." (a new idea)
    • "The company adopted a new marketing strategy, a real advance in the field." (a new approach)

5. To Go Ahead (To start something)

  • Meaning: To start something earlier than planned.
  • Examples:
    • "The workers will advance work on the building next week." (start construction sooner)
    • "They decided to advance the meeting to Tuesday." (move the meeting to an earlier date)

Key Phrases and Constructions:

  • Make an advance: To give money in advance (often related to a loan or payment). “He made an advance on the contract.”
  • Take an advance: To receive money in advance. "She took an advance on her paycheck."
  • Be on the advance: (Military term) – This refers to being actively attacking or pursuing an enemy.
  • At an advance: to be prepared (usually for a trip or event) “I'm at an advance for the conference.”

Tips for Using "Advance" Correctly:

  • Context is key: Pay close attention to the surrounding words to understand the meaning of "advance."
  • Beware of confusion with “advance” as a verb meaning “to promote”: Keep in mind the different meanings, especially in finance.

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • In what context are you thinking about using "advance"? (e.g., writing a story, talking about business, discussing science?)

Synonyms for the word advance

Idioms of the word advance

in advance (of something)
(formal)before the time that is expected; before something happens
  • a week/month/year in advance
  • The rent is due one month in advance.
  • Thanks in advance for your help.
  • We try to plan well in advance.
  • It would have helped to know in advance that you were coming.
  • The fee is payable in advance.
  • People were evacuated from the coastal regions in advance of the hurricane.
more developed than somebody/something else
  • Galileo's ideas were well in advance of the age in which he lived.

Practice with vocabulary advance

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The company announced plans to ______ its technology to stay ahead of competitors.
  2. If you want to avoid delays, it’s best to book your tickets in ______.
  3. The team worked tirelessly to ______ the project deadline, but it was impossible.
  4. Without proper preparation, it’s difficult to ______ in such a competitive field.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which word means to move forward or improve progress?
    a) Advance
    b) Delay
    c) Retreat
    d) Halt

  2. Choose the correct words to complete the sentence: "The manager asked for an ______ notice to prepare the report."
    a) Advance
    b) Immediate
    c) Urgent
    d) Early

  3. Which of the following words is not a synonym for "proceed"?
    a) Advance
    b) Continue
    c) Halt
    d) Progress

  4. Select the best word for the sentence: "The new policy aims to ______ innovation in the industry."
    a) Promote
    b) Advance
    c) Hinder
    d) Delay

  5. Which word fits in the sentence: "She requested a(n) ______ on her salary to cover unexpected expenses."
    a) Advance
    b) Increase
    c) Loan
    d) Bonus

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The team managed to complete the project before the deadline.
  2. It’s important to inform the client beforehand to avoid misunderstandings.
  3. The company is working to improve its global presence.

Answer

Exercise 1

  1. The company announced plans to advance its technology to stay ahead of competitors.
  2. If you want to avoid delays, it’s best to book your tickets in advance.
  3. The team worked tirelessly to meet the project deadline, but it was impossible.
  4. Without proper preparation, it’s difficult to succeed in such a competitive field.

Exercise 2

  1. a) Advance
  2. a) Advance
  3. c) Halt
  4. b) Advance
  5. a) Advance

Exercise 3

  1. The team managed to advance the project to completion before the deadline.
  2. It’s important to inform the client in advance to avoid misunderstandings.
  3. The company is working to enhance its global presence.

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