# ahead

Pronunciation: US say "uh-HED" /əˈhɛd/; UK

## Adverb

1. So as to be further advanced, whether in space or in some abstract way, or to be in a superior position.
   - Simple: In a better or more advanced position than other people or things.
   - _After the merger, the company pulled ahead of its closest rivals._
   - _He studied every night just to stay ahead in his class._
2. Before a particular event or time; beforehand or in advance.
   - Simple: Before something happens, or before the time it is due.
   - _Smart shoppers plan ahead and buy supplies before prices rise._
   - _She paid the rent ahead to avoid any late fees._
3. In front, or onward in the direction someone is facing or traveling.
   - Simple: At or toward the front, in the direction you are facing or going.
   - _The hikers spotted a clearing ahead and quickened their pace._
   - _She kept her eyes ahead as she drove slowly through the fog._
4. In or for the time still to come.
   - Simple: In or for the time that is still to come.
   - _The country faces serious challenges ahead as the climate shifts._
   - _With graduation behind her, she looked forward to the years ahead._
5. To an earlier point in time than originally set.
   - Simple: To an earlier time than first planned.
   - _The couple moved their wedding ahead to early May, eager to marry sooner than planned._
   - _Organizers moved the conference ahead by two weeks, holding it earlier to avoid the holiday rush._
6. To a later point in time than originally set.
   - Simple: To a later time than before, as when a plan is moved later or clocks are set forward.
   - _When daylight saving begins, we move the clocks ahead one hour._
   - _When you fly from Denver to Chicago, remember to set your watch ahead an hour, since Chicago is on Central time._

## Origin

Made by joining a- to head. It may have begun as a sailors' term for "beyond the head (of a ship)," and only later spread into everyday English, where it came to mean "in front of."

Source: DictionaryAI, https://dictionaryai.com/define/ahead (written from Wiktionary data, CC BY-SA 4.0: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/).