Meaning

• A forward move; improvement or progression.

  "an advance in health or knowledge"

• An amount of money or credit, especially given as a loan, or paid before it is due; an advancement.

• An addition to the price; rise in price or value.

  "an advance on the prime cost of goods"

• (in the plural) An opening approach or overture, especially of an unwelcome or sexual nature.

Meaning

• To promote or advantage.

• To move forward in space or time.

• To raise, be raised.

Meaning

• Completed before necessary or a milestone event.

  "He made an advance payment on the prior shipment to show good faith."

• Preceding

  "The advance man came a month before the candidate."

• Forward

  "The scouts found a site for an advance base."