ahead
Definitions
In or toward the front; in the direction one is facing or moving.
在前面，向前。
In advance; for or into the future.
提前，预先，对将来。
In a leading position; doing better than others.
领先，处于优势。
Root Breakdown
Root-deriveda- here is an old reduced form of 'on' (as in alive, asleep) + head = 'on the head end,' i.e. at the front. Because the head leads the way, ahead means in front in space, in advance in time (plan ahead), and in the lead in a competition (ahead by ten points).
Root head still carries 14 more wordsUsage Guide
- Space: the road ahead, the car ahead of us
- Time / planning: plan ahead, think ahead, ahead of schedule
- Competition: she's ahead by two games
- go ahead = give permission or proceed ('Go ahead, ask her')
- get ahead = succeed, advance in life or career
Note: ahead is an adverb; 'ahead of' works as a preposition (ahead of time, ahead of the others).
Example Sentences
- 1.
There was a long traffic jam on the road ahead.
- 2.
It pays to plan ahead before a big trip.
- 3.
Our team is ahead by ten points at halftime.
- 4.
Go ahead and start without me.