an approach made to someone with the aim of initiating a sexual or romantic relationship, an attempt to make progress or gain an advantage in a particular area

Formal and Informal Expressions of advances

In different contexts, you can replace 'advances' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'approach, attempt' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'moves, flirting' is a commonplace synonym.

advances: Explore its Definition & Usage

advances Definition

1an approach made to someone with the aim of initiating a sexual or romantic relationship
2an attempt to make progress or gain an advantage in a particular area

Using advances: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "advances" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
He made several advances towards her, but she wasn't interested.
Example
The company's technological advances have revolutionized the industry.
Example
The team's advances in research have led to new discoveries.
Example
She rejected his advances and asked him to leave her alone.

advances Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for advances

Antonyms for advances

Phrases with advances

advance warning
a notification given in advance to prepare for something that is going to happen
Example
The weather service issued an advance warning of the approaching hurricane.
advance payment
a payment made before goods or services are received
Example
The company requires an advance payment before starting work on the project.
advance booking
the act of reserving something, such as a hotel room or airline ticket, in advance
Example
We made an advance booking for our vacation rental to ensure availability.

Origins of advances

from Old French 'avancer', meaning 'to advance'

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Summary: advances in Brief

The term 'advances' [ədˈvænsɪz] refers to two distinct concepts. The first is an approach made to someone with the aim of initiating a sexual or romantic relationship, exemplified by 'He made several advances towards her, but she wasn't interested.' The second is an attempt to make progress or gain an advantage in a particular area, as in 'The company's technological advances have revolutionized the industry.' Phrases like 'advance warning' and 'advance payment' use 'advance' to denote preparation and reservation, respectively.