Definition

1. Adverb:

   • Before a particular event or time; beforehand: Refers to doing something earlier than expected or required.
   • In a forward position; ahead: Refers to being situated or moving ahead of something else.

2. Adjective:

   • Situated in front; located ahead: Describes something that is positioned before or in front of another.
   • Made, sent, or provided ahead of time: Describes something done or prepared before it is needed.

Usage Examples

• Adverb:
  • Please book your tickets in advance to secure a seat.
  • The scouts moved in advance of the main group.
• Adjective (used before a noun):
  • The in-advance payment was required to start the project.
  • They received in-advance copies of the report for review.

Advanced Usage

• "well in advance": A significant amount of time before an event.
  • Submit your application well in advance of the deadline.
• "paid in advance": Payment completed before a service is rendered or goods are received.
  • The rent must be paid in advance on the first of each month.

Variants and Related Words

• Advance (noun/verb/adj): The root word. As a verb: to move forward or to provide something earlier. As a noun: a forward movement or an early payment.
  • The army continued its advance. (Noun)
  • Can you advance me some money? (Verb)
• Advanced (adj): Far on in progress or complex.
  • She is taking an advanced mathematics course.
• Advancement (noun): The process of promoting a cause or making progress.
  • The job offers opportunities for career advancement.

Synonyms

• Beforehand: Before an action or event.
• Ahead of time: Earlier than scheduled.
• Upfront: Paid or given in advance (often refers to money).
• Prepaid: Paid for in advance.

Related Phrases

• In advance of: Preceding something in time or position.
  • The announcement came in advance of the official launch.
• Plan in advance: To prepare or arrange something before it happens.
  • It's wise to plan in advance for major expenses.

Related Idioms

• To get the jump on someone: To gain an advantage by acting before someone else. (Conceptually related to acting in advance).
  • By starting her research early, she got the jump on her competitors.

Adjective

1. situated ahead or going before
   • an advance party
   • at that time the most advanced outpost was still east of the Rockies

Adverb

1. ahead of time; in anticipation
   • when you pay ahead (or in advance) you receive a discount
   • We like to plan ahead
   • should have made reservations beforehand