abreast

Etymology

From Middle English abrest, equivalent to a- (“on, at”) + breast, meaning “breasts (chests) in line, side-by-side and exactly equally advanced”; roughly “breast-by-breast”.

adv

1. Side by side and facing forward.
   On Sunday afternoon it was as dark as night, with barely room for two riders abreast on a gradient that touches 20%. July 15, 2012, Richard Williams, “Tour de France 2012: Carpet tacks cannot force Bradley Wiggins off track”, in Guardian Unlimited
   The only path was narrow and rugged: two men could hardly walk abreast; 1859, Thomas Babington Macaulay, The History of England from the Accession of James the Second
2. (figurative) Alongside; parallel to.
3. Informed, well-informed, familiar, acquainted.
4. Followed by of or with: up to a certain level or line; equally advanced.
   She believes it is important to keep abreast of new scientific developments.
5. (Scotland) Breast high (of an advancing wave).
   The west wind blew a tempest, and, according to the common expression, brought in the water [of the Solway] three foot abreast.
6. (nautical) Side by side; also, opposite; on a line with the vessel's beam.
7. (obsolete) At the same time; simultaneously.
   Abreast therewith began a convocation. 1842, Thomas Fuller, The Church History of Britain, From the birth of Jesus Christ until the year MDCXLVIII., 3rd edition, volume 1, page 412

adj

1. Side by side, facing forward.
2. (figurative) Alongside; parallel to.
3. Informed, well-informed, familiar, acquainted.
4. Up to a certain level or line; equally advanced
   to keep abreast of [or with] the present state of science.
   Some people are born with a vital and responsive energy. It not only enables them to keep abreast of the times; it qualifies them to furnish in their own personality a good bit of the motive power to the mad pace. c. 1900, Kate Chopin, A Reflection
5. (nautical) Side by side; also, opposite; over against; on a line with the vessel's beam.

prep

1. Abreast of; alongside.
   This ship sank abreast the island.