Ahead Meaning and Definition
Ahead
Pronunciation
/əˈhɛd/
Part of Speech
Noun, adjective, or adverb
Definition
Ahead is an object or point that is in front of something else, typically used to describe a position or direction. It can also be used to describe something that is planned or intended to happen in the future.
Examples
- The teacher saw ahead the student who was causing trouble.
- The company has announced plans to release a new product ahead of the competition.
Synonyms
- Fore
- Forward
- Future
Antonyms
- Behind
- Past
- Previous
Etymology
Ahead is derived from the Old English word “æheg”, which means “forward” or ” przednik”. It has been used in the English language since the 14th century.
Usage Notes
Ahead is often used to describe a position or direction, such as “the car is ahead” or “the goal is ahead”. It can also be used to describe something that is planned or intended to happen in the future.
Cultural References
Ahead has been referenced in popular culture, such as in the title of the 1989 film “Ahead of the Game” or in the name of the fictional ahead-of-the-curve dating app “Ahead of Love”.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
Ahead can be used in idiomatic expressions such as “get ahead of yourself” or “stay ahead of the game”.
Related Words or Phrases
- Fore
- Forward
- Future
Collocations
- Ahead of schedule
- Ahead of the curve
- Ahead of oneself
Frequency of Use
Ahead is a common word in modern language, used in various contexts, including business, sports, and everyday conversation.
Common Misspellings
- Ahead of time
- Ahead of the pack
- Ahead of the curve