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

Kahn worked hard to keep him afloat and find new financial institutions, while Indyke kept Epstein abreast of the media fallout.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The wooden inkpot was carved in the shape of a troika, which is a kind of Russian sleigh pulled by three horses harnessed abreast.

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“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.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

“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.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

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.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• acquainted 
• informed