Ahead

Definition

Ahead is an adverb and adjective that means in a forward position, in advance, or in the future relative to something else.

Parts of Speech

• Adverb
• Adjective

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /əˈhɛd/
• Respelling: uh-HED

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /əˈhɛd/
• Respelling: uh-HED

The pronunciation of "ahead" is the same in both American and British English.

Etymology

The word "ahead" comes from Middle English, derived from the phrase "on head," meaning "in front" or "forward." The term evolved to signify a position in advance or forward in time.

Derivatives

• Aheadness (noun)
• Ahead of time (phrase)
• Go-ahead (noun/adjective)
• Look-ahead (noun)
• Forge-ahead (verb)

Synonyms

• Forward
• In front
• Beforehand

Antonyms

• Behind
• Backward
• Afterward

Usage

The term "ahead" is often used to indicate something in a forward position, either physically or in time, such as "They walked ahead of us," or "She planned ahead for the event."

Related Terms

• Forward: Moving toward a position in front or into the future.
• In advance: Something done prior to a specific event or time.
• Preceding: Coming before something in time, order, or position.

Detailed Definitions

Adverb

• In a forward position: Used to describe something that is in front or progressing ahead in space.
  • Example: "She walked ahead of the group."
• In advance or before a specified time: Indicates action taken before an event or timeframe.
  • Example: "They arrived ahead of schedule."
• In the future or ahead in time: Refers to events or plans for the time to come.
  • Example: "The road ahead looked clear."

Adjective

• Positioned or moving forward: Used to describe something located in a forward position.
  • Example: "The team is now ahead in the competition."