Abreast
/əˈbrɛst/
adverbadjectiveB2
Definition
"Abreast" is used to describe people or things that are next to each other in a line, usually moving or standing side by side. It also means to keep informed about the latest news or information so you are not behind others.
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See It in Action
Side by side, next to each other in a line
- •The two runners ran abreast for most of the race.
- •The cars drove abreast along the highway.
- •The soldiers marched abreast during the parade.
Being fully informed or up to date about something
- •She kept abreast of the latest technology news.
- •It's important to stay abreast of changes in the law.
- •The manager was abreast of all the project details.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "abreast" like "side by side," but with a focus on staying level or equal with others
- ✓Picture two or three people walking together, shoulder to shoulder, all facing forward
- ✓It's the feeling of walking with a friend where neither is ahead or behind, but both move together
- ✓Sounds like "a-BREAST" → imagine two people standing close enough to touch their chests (breast means chest), so they are next to each other
- ✓Imagine soldiers walking abreast in a line, all moving forward together
- ✓NOT like "behind" (one person is after another), "abreast" means next to each other
- ✓NOT like "in front" (one ahead), "abreast" means equal position side by side
- ✓For the meaning about information: NOT like "unaware" or "behind the news," "abreast" means you know the latest facts
Try Other Words
- •Alongside: next to something or someone (Use when focusing on physical position)
- •Up to date: having the latest information (Use when talking about knowledge or information)
- •Beside: next to or at the side of (Use in general physical position, less formal)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: "a-" (a prefix meaning "on" or "in") + "breast" (meaning chest)
- •Etymology: From Old English "on breost," meaning "on the chest," used to describe standing side by side at chest level
- •Historical development: Originally used to describe physical position, later also used metaphorically for being informed
- •Modern usage: Common in formal speech and writing to describe both physical arrangement and knowledge status
Reflect & Connect
•How can being "abreast" of information help you in your daily life or work?
•Can you think of situations where walking or standing abreast is important? Why?
Fill in the blanks
1.The hikers walked ___ along the narrow path to stay together safely.
2.To make good decisions, you need to keep ___ of the latest news.
3.The two friends stood ___, facing the stage during the concert.
4.When driving ___ on the highway, cars must be careful not to crowd each other.
5.She reads many articles to stay ___ of changes in her industry.
6.Unlike walking in a line, walking ___ means no one is ahead or behind.
7.The team stayed ___ with the project updates to avoid mistakes.