ABREAST

abreast, au courant, au fait, up on

(adjective) being up to particular standard or level especially in being up to date in knowledge; “kept abreast of the latest developments”; “constant revision keeps the book au courant”; “always au fait on the latest events”; “up on the news”

abreast

(adverb) alongside each other, facing in the same direction

Source: WordNet® 3.1


Etymology

Adverb

abreast (not comparable)

Side by side and facing forward. [First attested from around (1350 to 1470.)]

(figurative) Alongside; parallel to. [First attested in the mid 17th century.]

Informed, well-informed, familiar, acquainted. [First attested in the mid 17th century.]

Followed by of or with: up to a certain level or line; equally advanced. [First attested in the mid 17th century.]

(nautical) Side by side; also, opposite; on a line with the vessel's beam. [First attested in the late 17th century.]

(obsolete) At the same time; simultaneously.

Usage notes

• (nautical): Abreast is followed by the word of.

• (alongside): Abreast is followed by of.

• (informed): Abreast is followed by of.

• (up to a certain level): Abreast is followed by of.

Synonyms

• (informed): apprised, up to date/up-to-date

Adjective

abreast (not comparable)

Side by side, facing forward. [First attested from around (1350 to 1470.)]

(figurative) Alongside; parallel to. [First attested in the mid 17th century.]

Informed, well-informed, familiar, acquainted. [First attested in the mid 17th century.]

Up to a certain level or line; equally advanced[First attested in the mid 17th century.]

(nautical) Side by side; also, opposite; over against; on a line with the vessel's beam. [First attested in the late 17th century.]

Preposition

abreast

Abreast of; alongside.

Anagrams

• Baaster, Sabater, Tabares, abaters, bat ears, rabates

Source: Wiktionary


A*breast", adv. Etym: [Pref. a- + breast.]

1. Side by side, with breasts in a line; as, "Two men could hardly walk abreast." Macaulay.

2. (Naut.)

Definition: Side by side; also, opposite; over against; on a line with the vessel's beam; -- with of.

3. Up to a certain level or line; equally advanced; as, to keep abreast of [or with] the present state of science.

4. At the same time; simultaneously. [Obs.] Abreast therewith began a convocation. Fuller.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition



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