As a verb, it means to move forward or to make progress in position, time, or development. As a noun, it can mean progress, a forward movement, or money paid before it is due.
From Old French *avancer* “to move forward,” from Late Latin *abanteare* based on *abante* “before, in front.” The core idea has always been about going ahead.
When you ‘advance’ in a game, a career, or technology, you’re doing the same basic thing: going further ahead than before. Even an ‘advance payment’ is money that has been moved forward in time.
Language of "advance" in careers, science, and politics has historically been applied more to men, who had greater access to formal advancement paths. Women’s advances were often framed as exceptional or controversial, especially in male-dominated fields.
Use "advance" for progress by people of all genders and avoid implying that advancement is more natural or expected for men. When discussing historical advances, note structural barriers that shaped who could advance.
["progress","move forward","develop"]
Women have driven advances in fields from medicine to computing, often without recognition or promotion equivalent to male peers; naming their roles helps correct advancement narratives.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.