[] advance (sb) sth | advance sth (to sb)to give sb money before the time it would usually be paid 预付◆We are willing to advance the money to you. 我们愿意将钱预付给你。◆They advanced her $2 million for five novels. 他们预付给她五部小说的稿费，共计 200 万元。
[] if knowledge or technology advances, it develops and improves （知识、技术等）发展，进步◆As medical technology advances, health-care costs rise. 由於医疗技术进步，医疗保健成本上涨。
[] (about prices, costs, profits, etc.) to increase （价格、成本、利润等）上涨，增加◆Inflation has advanced sharply over the last two years. 在过去两年里，通货膨胀急剧上升。◆Vodafone (= its shares) advanced 1.8 per cent to 179p. 沃达丰的股票上涨了 1.8%，达到 179 便士 。
[] to change the time or date of an event so that it takes place earlier 使提前；使提早◆The date of the meeting has been advanced by one week. 会议日期提前了一周。SYNbring sth forward OPPpostpone
[] to help sth to succeed 促进；推动◆Studying for new qualifications is one way to advance your career. 考取新的任职资格是促进你事业发展的一种途径。