1
Put forward a claim
Present an argument for evaluation.
Example
The article advances a new explanation for the decline.
advance
/ədˈvɑːns/ · ad-VANSverb
To put forward a claim, proposal, or explanation for consideration.
Use advance when the context supports this precise meaning: to put forward a claim, proposal, or explanation for consideration.
What advance Really Means
The word becomes easier to use when its closely related senses are separated and compared.
2
Promote progress
Move a field, cause, or project forward.
Example
The discovery advanced research on early navigation.
3
Move forward
Proceed physically or temporally.
Example
The front advanced slowly across the region.
Use advance Naturally
Notice how the surrounding noun or clause reveals the exact shade of meaning.
The article advances a new explanation for the decline.
The discovery advanced research on early navigation.
The front advanced slowly across the region.
Precision Matters
Advance overlaps with several common words, but each carries a different emphasis.
advance
vs.Means to put forward a claim, proposal, or explanation for consideration.
assert
Means to state or defend a claim confidently and directly.
advance
vs.Means to put forward a claim, proposal, or explanation for consideration.
propose
Means put forward an idea for consideration.
advance
vs.Means to put forward a claim, proposal, or explanation for consideration.
rebut
Means to argue against a claim by offering contrary reasoning or evidence.
advance
vs.Means to put forward a claim, proposal, or explanation for consideration.
substantiate
Means to support or establish a claim with evidence.
Test advance in Context
They first put forward a claim for consideration.
1
The authors ___ the claim that the settlement was seasonal, then support it with pollen records.