Moves forward in position or progress, or offers money before it's officially earned; can also mean improvements or developments in a field.
From Old French 'avancer' meaning 'to move forward,' derived from Latin 'abante' (before, in front); the sense of 'progress' and 'money given early' developed from the basic meaning of moving forward.
In finance, an 'advance' on your paycheck is literally lending you money from your future earnings—it's moving your money forward in time, which is why they call it that instead of just 'borrowing.'
Sexual 'advances' terminology centers male agency and persistence; language subtly frames unwanted pursuit as inevitable male behavior rather than violation. Usage obscures accountability by making coercion sound bilateral.
Use 'unwanted contact,' 'harassment,' or 'assault' to center the violation rather than male initiative. Be direct about harm rather than euphemizing.
["unwanted contact","harassment","assault","coercion"]
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