English Reference
noun · verb

advert

n. · v.
US /ˈædvɝt/ ad·vert UK spelling adverted, adverting, adverts

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate British EnglishInformal

    n.a short word for an advertisement, like a video or picture that tries to sell you something.

    n.a clipping of 'advertisement' used to denote a public notice or announcement promoting a product, service, or event.

    Simple

    I saw an advert for a new car while I was watching the football match.

    In context

    The marketing team decided to run a full-page advert in the Sunday edition to capture the attention of weekend shoppers.

    Usage

    Commonly used in speech and journalism in the UK; 'ad' is more universal.

    Teacher's tip

    Learners should note that 'advert' is standard in British English but sounds distinctly foreign to most American speakers, who prefer 'ad' or 'commercial'.

  2. 02 C2 Proficiency Formal

    v.to mention or talk about something in a formal way.

    v.to refer to or call attention to a subject or fact. Intransitive verb that typically takes the preposition 'to'.

    Simple

    In his speech, the director adverted to the company's difficult year.

    In context

    The report briefly adverts to the environmental impact of the project without providing specific data on carbon emissions.

    Usage

    Always used with the preposition 'to'.

    Teacher's tip

    This verb sense is extremely rare in modern conversation and is almost exclusively found in legal or highly academic writing.


Etymology 1

Clipping of advertisement.

Etymology 2

From Middle English adverten, from Old French advertir (“to notice”), from Latin advertere (“to turn toward”). See also adverse.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level B1 · Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated