1.The act of advancing or moving forward or upward; progress.
2.Improvement or progression, physically, mentally, morally, or socially; as, an advance in health, knowledge, or religion; an advance in rank or office.
3.An addition to the price; rise in price or value; as, an advance on the prime cost of goods.
4.The first step towards the attainment of a result; approach made to gain favor, to form an acquaintance, to adjust a difference, etc.; an overture; a tender; an offer; usually in the plural. "(He) made the like advances to the dissenters."
5.A furnishing of something before an equivalent is received (as money or goods), towards a capital or stock, or on loan; payment beforehand; the money or goods thus furnished; money or value supplied beforehand. "I shall, with pleasure, make the necessary advances." "The account was made up with intent to show what advances had been made."
In advance (b)Beforehand; before an equivalent is received.
(c)In the state of having advanced money on account; as, A is in advance to B a thousand dollars or pounds.
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