ahead Meaning, Definition & Usage

1. adjective satellite having the leading position or higher score in a contest
   leading; in the lead.
   
   • he is ahead by a pawn
   • the leading team in the pennant race
2. adverb at or in the front
   in front; before.
   
   • I see the lights of a town ahead
   • the road ahead is foggy
   • staring straight ahead
   • we couldn't see over the heads of the people in front
   • with the cross of Jesus marching on before
3. adverb toward the future; forward in time
   forward.
   
   • I like to look ahead in imagination to what the future may bring
   • I look forward to seeing you
4. adverb in a forward direction
   forwards; onward; onwards; forward; forrader.
   
   • go ahead
   • the train moved ahead slowly
   • the boat lurched ahead
   • moved onward into the forest
   • they went slowly forward in the mud
5. adverb ahead of time; in anticipation
   beforehand; in advance.
   
   • when you pay ahead (or in advance) you receive a discount
   • We like to plan ahead
   • should have made reservations beforehand
6. adverb to a more advanced or advantageous position
   
   • a young man sure to get ahead
   • pushing talented students ahead
7. adverb to a different or a more advanced time (meaning advanced either toward the present or toward the future)
   
   • moved the appointment ahead from Tuesday to Monday
   • pushed the deadline ahead from Tuesday to Wednesday
8. adverb leading or ahead in a competition
   out front; in the lead.
   
   • the horse was three lengths ahead going into the home stretch
   • ahead by two pawns
   • our candidate is in the lead in the polls
   • way out front in the race
   • the advertising campaign put them out front in sales

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