move forward in a purposeful way

she stood up and advanced toward him

the troops advanced on the capital

make or cause to make progress

our knowledge is advancing all the time

it was a chance to advance his own interests

put forward (a theory or suggestion)

the hypothesis I wish to advance in this article

lend (money) to (someone)

the building society advanced them a loan

a forward movement

the rebels' advance on Madrid was well under way

the advance of civilization

a development or improvement

advances in engineering techniques

decades of great scientific advance

an amount of money paid before it is due or for work only partly completed

the author was paid a £250,000 advance

an approach made to someone with the aim of initiating sexual or amorous relations

women accused him of making improper advances

earlier in her career a male superior made advances to her

he claims to have rejected her advances on four separate occasions