[countable, usually singular] money paid for work before it has been done; money paid earlier than expected预付款；提前付款◆They offered an advance of 10 000 euros after the signing of the contract.合同签订后，他们预付了 1 万欧元。◆She asked for an advance on her wages.她要求预付工资。 [countable] an increase in the price or value of sth（价格、价值的）上涨，提高◆These companies have seen significant advances in their share prices.这些公司的股票价格大幅上涨。 [countable, uncountable] progress or a development in technology or a particular area of knowledge（技术或知识的）进步，进展，提高◆advances in the processing power of chips芯片处理能力的提高◆We live in an age of rapid technological advance.我们生活在一个科技日新月异的时代。 ●in advance (of sth)before the time that is expected; before sth happens（时间上）在…前；预先；事先◆The rent is due one month in advance.租金预先一个月支付。◆The Director would not discuss the report in advance of its release.总监在报告公布之前，不会讨论其内容。  ➡  in arrears at arrears bank advance