abreast

abreast

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Pronunciation

The IPA phonetic spelling for "abreast" and a breakdown of its syllables:

• IPA: /əˈbrɛst/

Here's a breakdown of the sounds:

• /ə/ : This is the "schwa" sound, a short, unstressed vowel, like the "a" in "about."

• /ˈbrɛst/: this is the stressed second syllable.

• /b/: the "b" sound.

• /r/: the "r" sound.

• /ɛ/: the short "e" sound, as in "bed."

• /st/: the "st" sound.

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Word Form Variations

• Abreast (adverb):

• This is the standard form. It indicates:

• Side by side and facing the same direction.

• Being up to date with information.

• Examples:

• "They walked abreast."

• "It is important to keep abreast of current events."

Key points:

• "Abreast" is not a noun, so it doesn't have a plural form.

• Its usage is most common as an adverb.

• It can also be used in a prepositional way, as in "abreast of".

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Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms

Adverb:

• Definition 1:

• Side by side, in a line, and facing the same direction.

• Example: "The runners moved abreast down the track."

• Synonyms:

• Alongside

• Side by side

• In line

• Antonyms:

• Single file

• One behind another

• In a line behind

• Definition 2:

• Up to date with current information, developments, or knowledge.

• Example: "She strives to stay abreast of the latest medical research."

• Synonyms:

• Informed

• Aware

• Knowledgeable

• up to date

• conversant

• Antonyms:

• Uninformed

• Ignorant

• Outdated

• oblivious

Adjectival Usage:

• Definition:

• Describing a state of being side by side or up to date. This is less common, but present.

• Example: "They were in an abreast formation."

• Synonyms:

• Aligned

• level

• current

• Antonyms:

• uneven

• out of date.

It's crucial to note:

• "Abreast" is not commonly used as a noun or a verb.

• Its core function is adverbial, describing how something is positioned or how knowledgeable someone is.

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Examples of Use

1. Literature:

• Poetry:

• In Robert Frost's "Mending Wall," the line "And makes gaps even two can pass abreast" depicts physical positioning (The Poetry Foundation). This is a classic example of the literal use of the word.

• General Literature:

• You can find the word used in many historical novels, when describing the way that groups of people or animals move. "The cavalry rode abreast, their lances glinting in the sun."

2. News and Online Publications:

• Technology and Business:

• "It's crucial for businesses to stay abreast of rapidly evolving cybersecurity threats." This type of usage is very common in online tech and business news.

• "Financial news outlets report on the importance of investors staying abreast of market fluctuations."

• Medical and Scientific Publications:

• "Medical journals emphasize the need for doctors to remain abreast of the latest research findings." (This is a very common use in medical and scientific fields)

3. General Public Discourse:

• Everyday Conversation:

• "I'm trying to keep abreast of all the changes to the new tax laws."

• "The hikers walked abreast along the trail, enjoying the view."

• Educational Settings:

• "Teachers encourage students to stay abreast of current events."

Key Observations:

• The "up-to-date" meaning is prevalent in professional and academic settings.

• The "side-by-side" meaning is common in descriptive contexts.

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10 Famous Quotes Using Abreast

1. "Keep abreast of the times, but do not let them sweep you away." — Theodore Roosevelt

2. "A great leader stays abreast of both change and consequence." — Barack Obama

3. "Stay abreast of new ideas, but never lose sight of old values." — Eleanor Roosevelt

4. "To remain relevant, one must stay abreast of innovation." — Steve Jobs

5. "Stay abreast of your dreams, even when life pulls ahead." — Oprah Winfrey

6. "A wise man keeps abreast of his own ignorance." — Confucius

7. "Keep abreast of knowledge, lest it pass you by unnoticed." — Carl Sagan

8. "One must stay abreast of injustice to fight it effectively." — Angela Davis

9. "You cannot lead if you do not stay abreast of those you serve." — Nelson Mandela

10. "To stay abreast of love is to never stop listening." — Rumi

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Etymology

The etymology of the word "abreast" is broken down as follows:

• The Basic Idea:

• The word essentially comes from the idea of being "side by side," specifically, as if "breasts" (or chests) were in a line.

• Breaking it Down:

• It comes from Middle English "abrest."

• This is formed by combining:

• "a-": Meaning "on" or "at."

• "breast": Meaning, well, "breast" or "chest."

• So, literally, it's like "on breast" or "at breast," implying being in line, chest to chest.

• The Evolution of Meaning:

• Originally, it strongly related to the physical positioning of being side by side.

• Over time, it developed a figurative meaning, which is the "keeping up with" or "staying informed" sense we often use today. This comes from the idea of being "in line" with current developments.

• First Known Use:

• According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the earliest known use of the word "abreast" is in the mid 1500's. Specifically from 1567, in the writing of John Maplet.

In essence, "abreast" started with a very physical meaning and then expanded to include the idea of being level or equal in knowledge or progress.

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Phrases + Idioms Containing Abreast

Phrases Using "Abreast":

• "Keep abreast of":

• This is by far the most common phrase. It means to stay informed or up-to-date.

• Example: "It's important to keep abreast of the latest developments in your field."

• "Walk abreast":

• This refers to walking side by side.

• Example: "The children walked abreast down the street."

• "Row abreast":

• This refers to the positioning of rowers in a boat.

Why "Abreast" Isn't Rich in Idioms:

• Specificity: "Abreast" has a relatively narrow and literal meaning. It's about physical or informational alignment, not abstract concepts that often form the basis of idioms.

• Formal Tone: The word itself can feel somewhat formal, which may limit its use in casual, idiomatic expressions.

Related Idioms and Phrases (Synonymous Effect):

Since direct "abreast" idioms are scarce, here are some that convey similar meanings:

• "Stay in the loop":

• This idiom means to remain informed about something.

• "Keep up with the times":

• This means to stay current with modern developments.

• "On the ball":

• This means to be alert and well-informed.

• "In the know":

• This means to have special knowledge about something.

• "Keep pace with":

• This means to move or progress at the same rate as someone or something else.

Original Phrases:

• "To sail abreast of change." (Metaphorically, to move in parallel with evolving circumstances.)

• "To hold knowledge abreast." (To maintain a current and comprehensive understanding.)

While "abreast" may not be an idiom powerhouse, its core meaning of alignment and currency is effectively conveyed in the phrases where it does appear.

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Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA

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Source Information

Definition of abreast from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.

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