Word: abreast (adverb)

Associations

"Abreast" means to be side by side or to stay informed about something. It often refers to keeping up with information or developments.

• Example 1: "She walked abreast with her friend." This means they were walking next to each other.
• Example 2: "It's important to stay abreast of the latest news." This means to keep informed about the latest news.
• Example 3: "The horses ran abreast down the track." This means the horses were running side by side.

A well-known synonym is "alongside," but "abreast" often carries the idea of being up to date with information, while "alongside" is more about physical position.

Substitution

You can use words like "beside," "together," or "informed" depending on the context.

• "Beside" is more about physical position, while "informed" focuses on knowledge.
• "Together" can mean being close, but it does not imply the same level of information sharing.

Deconstruction

The word "abreast" comes from the Old English "on bræost," which means "on the breast" or "on the chest." It reflects the idea of being close to someone or something, as in being side by side.

Inquiry

• Can you think of a time when you had to stay abreast of important news or updates?
• In what situations do you think it is important to be abreast of developments in your field?
• How might the meaning change if you used "beside" instead of "abreast"?