n. the act of moving forward (as toward a goal)

n. increase in price or value; "the news caused a general advance on the stock market"

n. a tentative suggestion designed to elicit the reactions of others; "she rejected his advances"

n. a change for the better; progress in development

n. a movement forward; "he listened for the progress of the troops"

n. an amount paid before it is earned

v. rise in rate or price; "The stock market gained 24 points today"

v. develop in a positive way; "He progressed well in school"; "My plants are coming along"; "Plans are shaping up"

v. develop further; "We are advancing technology every day"

v. bring forward for consideration or acceptance; "advance an argument"

v. obtain advantages, such as points, etc.; "The home team was gaining ground"; "After defeating the Knicks, the Blazers pulled ahead of the Lakers in the battle for the number-one playoff berth in the Western Conference"

v. move forward, also in the metaphorical sense; "Time marches on"

v. cause to move forward; "Can you move the car seat forward?"

v. move forward; "we have to advance clocks and watches when we travel eastward"

v. pay in advance; "Can you advance me some money?"

v. contribute to the progress or growth of; "I am promoting the use of computers in the classroom"

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