ahead

[uh-hed]

adverb

1. in or to the front; in advance of; before.

   Walk ahead of us.

2. in a forward direction; onward; forward.

   The line of cars moved ahead slowly.

3. into or for the future.

   Plan ahead.

4. so as to register a later time.

   to set the clock ahead.

5. at or to a different time, either earlier or later.

   to push a deadline ahead one day from Tuesday to Monday; to push a deadline ahead one day from Tuesday to Wednesday.

6. onward toward success; to a more advantageous position; upward in station.

   There's a young man who is sure to get ahead.

ahead

/ əˈhɛd /

adjective

1. (postpositive) in front; in advance

adverb

1. at or in the front; in advance; before

2. onwards; forwards

   go straight ahead

3. 1. in front of; at a further advanced position than

   2. stock exchange in anticipation of

      the share price rose ahead of the annual figures

4. informal,  to have an advantage; be winning

   to be ahead on points

5. to advance or attain success

Word History and Origins

Origin of ahead¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; a- ¹ + head

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. ahead of,

   1. in front of; before.

      He ran ahead of me.

   2. superior to; beyond.

      materially ahead of other countries.

   3. in advance of; at an earlier time than.

      We got there ahead of the other guests.

2. be ahead,

   1. to be winning.

      Our team is ahead by two runs.

   2. to be in a position of advantage; be benefiting.

      His score in mathematics is poor, but he's ahead in foreign languages.

More idioms and phrases containing ahead

• come out ahead
• dead ahead
• full speed ahead
• get ahead
• go ahead
• one jump ahead
• quit while one's ahead

Example Sentences

The three-dimensional sign was installed as part of an $80-million face lift of the airport’s main entrance ahead of the Democratic National Convention in 2000.

From Los Angeles Times

Thompson, a speedy outside back and excellent one-on-one defender, has made 29 total appearances for Angel City since joining the club ahead of the 2024 season.

From Los Angeles Times

“He says he’s ready for the presidency? He’s ahead of his skis and he isn’t that popular.”

From Salon

Matt Davies, from Stagecoach, said the company would continue to work towards a resolution and was preparing contingency plans if the drivers go ahead with "unnecessary strike action".

From BBC

The 25-year-old Czech player had been four games to one ahead in the final set, and burst into tears.

From BBC

Related Words

• advanced 
• along 
• before 
• earlier www.thesaurus.com
• forward