advantage
- 01 A2 Elementary
n.a condition or situation that helps you succeed or gives you a better chance than others.
n.a circumstance or condition that provides a superior position or increases the likelihood of success.
Simple“Being able to speak two languages is a big advantage when looking for a job.”
In context“The primary advantage of the new software is its ability to automate repetitive tasks, saving the team hours of manual data entry.”
UsageOften used with the preposition 'of' (advantage of something) or 'over' (advantage over someone).
PitfallThe advantage for living in a city is the transport. The advantage of living in a city is the transport.Use 'advantage of' when describing the source or owner of the benefit.
Antonyms - 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.the score in tennis when a player wins the first point after the score is equal at 40-40.
n.the state of the score in tennis after a deuce, where one player requires a single subsequent point to win the game.
Simple“The server won the point and the umpire called 'Advantage, Williams'.”
In context“After a grueling ten-minute game, the champion finally secured the advantage and prepared to serve for the set.”
- 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.a rule in sports like football where the referee lets the game continue after a foul because it helps the team that was attacked.
n.a referee's decision to allow play to continue following a foul if the non-offending team retains a tactical benefit.
Simple“The referee played advantage after the striker was tripped because his teammate still had the ball.”
In context“By signaling advantage instead of blowing the whistle, the official allowed the counter-attack to proceed, resulting in a decisive goal.”
- 04 C1 Advanced
v.to give someone a better chance or to help them succeed.
v.to provide a benefit or a superior position to a person or entity; to place in a more favourable circumstance.
Simple“The new tax laws will advantage small businesses in the local area.”
In context“The proposed trade agreement is designed to advantage domestic manufacturers by reducing the cost of imported raw materials.”
UsageThis is a transitive verb and requires a direct object.
Usage additional advantage · competitive advantage · confer advantage
From Middle English avantage, avauntage, from Old French avantage, from avant (“before”), from Late Latin ab ante. The spelling with d originates in a latinizing hypercorrection, the a- being falsely supposed to be from Latin ad (see advance). For sense development, compare foredeal.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.