French word

avancer

Pronunciation

IPA/avɑ̃se/

Meaning

  • verbmove forward

Example

Le train avance lentement.

The train is moving forward slowly.

Illustration for avancer (move forward)

More examples

Nous devons avancer la date.

We need to move the date forward.

Core concept

A position, deadline, piece of work, or sum of money shifts forward toward an intended point.

Common phrases

  • avancer la date

    move the date forward

  • avancer de l'argent

    advance money

  • avancer d'un pas

    move forward one step

Similar words

aller: To go to another place.
se déplacer: To move from one position to another.
déplacer: To move an object or piece of furniture elsewhere.
progresser: To make gradual progress.

Definition in French

Se déplacer ou progresser vers l'avant ; peut aussi s'employer transitivement pour rapprocher une date, faire avancer une tâche ou donner de l'argent en avance.

Word origin

The verb developed from Old French avancier, based on avant from Latin ante, and later acquired uses for dates, tasks, and advance payments.

Usage tips

  • Avancer une date means to move it earlier, while avancer de trois jours means to bring it forward by three days in context.

Other meanings

  • frontverb

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word