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ahead

adjective

  1. proceding faster than designated schedule
  2. n or into a leading position in a race or competition
L334346 on Wikidata ↗

adverb

  1. in front of, in the direction of motion
L5872 on Wikidata ↗

Wiktionary

Pronunciation: /əˈhɛd/

adv

Etymology: From a- + head. Perhaps originally a nautical term, beyond the head (of a ship), then drifting into more general English usage where it is used to describe something as being in front of.

  1. At or towards the front; in the direction one is facing or moving.

    The island was directly ahead.

    Just ahead you can see the cliffs.

  2. So as to be further advanced, either spatially or in an abstract sense; to be superior.

    He finished two laps ahead of me.

    In all of his classes Jack was ahead.

  3. In or for the future.

    There may be tough times ahead.

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

  4. To a later time.

    Set the clock ahead an hour.

    Push the deadline ahead a day, from the 20th to the 21st.

  5. At an earlier time; beforehand; in advance.

    He paid his rent ahead.

  6. To an earlier time.

    Push the deadline ahead a day, from the 21st to the 20th.

    […] committees in Congress hae a March 15 deadline for reporting their "views and estimates" to the budget committees. The Senate Republican leadership, eager to get a jump on the annual budget process, moved the deadline ahead to March 1 for Senate committees.