advantage

[ad-van-tij, -vahn-]

noun

1. any state, circumstance, opportunity, or means specially favorable to success, interest, or any desired end.

   the advantage of a good education.

2. benefit; gain; profit.

   It will be to his advantage to learn Chinese before going to China.

3. superiority or ascendancy (often followed by over orof ).

   His height gave him an advantage over his opponent.

4. a position of superiority (often followed by over orof ).

   their advantage in experienced players.

5. Tennis.,  the first point scored after deuce.

verb (used with object)

advantaged, advantaging 

1. to be of service to; yield profit or gain to; benefit.

   Synonyms: aid, help, avail, serve

2. to cause to advance; further; promote.

   Such action will advantage our cause.

3. to prove beneficial to; profit.

   It would advantage him to work harder.

advantage

/ ədˈvɑːntɪdʒ /

noun

1. superior or more favourable position or power

   he had an advantage over me because of his experience

2. benefit or profit (esp in the phrase to one's advantage )

3. tennis

   1. the point scored after deuce

   2. the resulting state of the score

4. 1. to make good use of

   2. to impose upon the weakness, good nature, etc, of; abuse

   3. to seduce

5. to good effect

   he used his height to advantage at the game

6. you know me but I do not know you

Word History and Origins

Origin of advantage¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English ava(u)ntage, from Anglo-French, Old French avantage, equivalent to avant “before” + -age noun suffix; advance, -age

Word History and Origins

Origin of advantage¹

C14: avantage (later altered to advantage on the model of words beginning with Latin ad- ), from Old French avant before, from Latin abante from before, away. See _advance

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. to advantage, to good effect; advantageously.

   The paintings were arranged to advantage on one wall.

2. have the advantage of, to be in a superior or advantageous position; possess an advantage over.

   By virtue of independent wealth, he has the advantage of his opponents.

3. take advantage of,

   1. to make use of for gain.

      to take advantage of an opportunity.

   2. to impose upon, especially unfairly, as by exploiting a weakness.

      to take advantage of someone.

see get the advantage of; show to advantage; take advantage of; to advantage.

Example Sentences

She’s taken advantage of a mini-grass court in the family backyard and her father’s experience having switched from basketball to volleyball during his high school days at Sherman Oaks Notre Dame.

From Los Angeles Times

The Premier League enjoys not just higher revenues but also structural advantages: English as the global language, stronger pay-TV culture, and a wider international reach.

From BBC

The five-time major champion, however, has a 9-5 advantage in their head-to-head record after Cincinnati and has won six of their past seven meetings.

From BBC

Yet nobody managed to take advantage as they went unbeaten in their WSL, FA Cup and League Cup triumphs.

From BBC

"This government is deep in crisis," Farage said, attempting to take advantage of Labour's woes.

From BBC

Related Words

• benefit 
• edge 
• favor 
• gain 
• interest 
• leverage 
• position 
• power 
• preference 
• profit 
• protection 
• recognition 
• return 
• superiority 
• support 
• upper hand 

When To Use

What are other ways to say advantage?

An advantage is something that positions one well for accomplishing something. How is advantage different from benefit and profit? Find out on Thesaurus.com.