abreast

/ə'brest/

Friendly

Explanation of "Abreast"

Definition: The word "abreast" can be used as both an adjective and an adverb.

Usage Instructions:

• Use "abreast" when talking about keeping up with information or being informed about a topic.
• Use it to describe physical positioning when two or more things are next to each other.

Examples:

• Adjective: "The teacher always keeps her students abreast of the latest scientific discoveries."
• Adverb: "The two runners were running abreast during the marathon."

Advanced Usage:

You might see "abreast" in more formal or academic writing, particularly when discussing topics like technology, education, or news reporting. For example, "To remain competitive in the job market, professionals must stay abreast of industry trends."

Word Variants:

The word "abreast" doesn’t have many direct variants, but it can be related to phrases like "stay informed" or "keep up to date."

Different Meanings:

While "abreast" primarily means to be informed or side by side, it's important to note that its usage can imply a sense of equality or parallelism, whether in knowledge or physical position.

Synonyms:

• For the adjective meaning: Informed, knowledgeable, up to date, current.
• For the adverb meaning: Alongside, next to, side by side.

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

There are no direct idioms or phrasal verbs that include "abreast," but you might use phrases like "keep up with" or "stay in the loop" to convey similar meanings.

Summary:

"Abreast" is a versatile word that describes being informed about something or being positioned next to someone.

Academic

Adjective

1. being up to particular standard or level especially in being up to date in knowledge
   • kept abreast of the latest developments
   • constant revision keeps the book au courant
   • always au fait on the latest events
   • up on the news

Adverb

1. alongside each other, facing in the same direction

Synonyms

• abreast
• au courant
• au fait
• up on