Associations to the word «Abreast»

Wiktionary

ABREAST, adverb. Side by side, facing forward. [First attested from around (1350 to 1470.)]
ABREAST, adverb. (figurative) Alongside; parallel to. [First attested in the mid 17th century.]
ABREAST, adverb. Informed, well-informed, familiar, acquainted. [First attested in the mid 17th century.]
ABREAST, adverb. Up to a certain level or line; equally advanced; as, to keep abreast of [or with] the present state of science. [First attested in the mid 17th century.]
ABREAST, adverb. (nautical) Side by side; also, opposite; over against; on a line with the vessel's beam. [First attested in the late 17th century.]
ABREAST, adverb. (obsolete): At the same time; simultaneously
ABREAST, adjective. Side by side, facing forward. [First attested from around (1350 to 1470.)]
ABREAST, adjective. (figurative) Alongside; parallel to. [First attested in the mid 17th century.]
ABREAST, adjective. Informed, well-informed, familiar, acquainted. [First attested in the mid 17th century.]
ABREAST, adjective. Up to a certain level or line; equally advanced; as, to keep abreast of [or with] the present state of science. [First attested in the mid 17th century.]
ABREAST, adjective. (nautical) Side by side; also, opposite; over against; on a line with the vessel's beam. [First attested in the late 17th century.]
ABREAST, preposition. Abreast of; alongside.

Dictionary definition

ABREAST, adverb. Alongside each other, facing in the same direction.
ABREAST, adjective. Being up to particular standard or level especially in being up to date in knowledge; "kept abreast of the latest developments"; "constant revision keeps the book au courant"; "always au fait on the latest events"; "up on the news".

Wise words

Words are always getting conventionalized to some secondary meaning. It is one of the works of poetry to take the truants in custody and bring them back to their right senses.
William Butler Yeats