abreast

[uh-brest]

adverb

1. side by side; beside each other in a line.

   They walked two abreast down the street.

2. equal to or alongside in progress, attainment, or awareness (usually followed by of orwith ).

   to keep abreast of scientific developments; keeping abreast with the times.

abreast

/ əˈbrɛst /

adjective

1. alongside each other and facing in the same direction

2. up to date (with); fully conversant (with)

Word History and Origins

Origin of abreast¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; a- ¹ + breast

Example Sentences

“It was a continuous evolution to ensure that we were staying abreast of everything that was going on and everybody was maintaining a basic skill set,” says Neuman.

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“It’s very useful for staying abreast of any trends in the culinary world,” he said, and his routine proved to be pivotal in winning the $223,000 prize for “Culinary Class Wars.”

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The staffing shortages have forced some offices to outsource overnight operations to neighboring offices or reduce how often they issue forecast products that help keep decision-makers and first responders abreast of potentially hazardous weather conditions.

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The CDC website in particular has long been a resource that physicians and other healthcare providers rely on to stay abreast of evidence-based recommendations for treatment and emerging health trends around the country, doctors said.

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In a post to Truth Social, Trump painted the meeting as a success and promised regular meetings to keep the Cabinet abreast of DOGE's work.

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Related Words

• acquainted 
• informed