ahead

(adjective, adverb)

adjective

1. having the leading position or higher score in a contest

- he is ahead by a pawn

Similar word(s): up, leading

adverb

1. at or in the front

- I see the lights of a town ahead

- the road ahead is foggy

- staring straight ahead

Similar word(s): before

2. toward the future; forward in time

- I like to look ahead in imagination to what the future may bring

Similar word(s): forward

3. in a forward direction

- go ahead

- the train moved ahead slowly

- the boat lurched ahead

Similar word(s): forrader, forward, forwards, onward, onwards

4. ahead of time; in anticipation

- when you pay ahead (or in advance) you receive a discount

- We like to plan ahead

Similar word(s): beforehand

5. to a more advanced or advantageous position

- a young man sure to get ahead

- pushing talented students ahead

6. to a different or a more advanced time (meaning advanced either toward the present or toward the future)

- moved the appointment ahead from Tuesday to Monday

- pushed the deadline ahead from Tuesday to Wednesday

7. leading or ahead in a competition

- the horse was three lengths ahead going into the home stretch

- ahead by two pawns

Sentences with ahead as an adverb:

- The island was directly ahead.

- Just ahead you can see the cliffs.

- There may be tough times ahead.

- You've got to think ahead so as not to be unprepared.

- He paid his rent ahead.

- In all of his classes Jack was ahead.