abreast

adv

1. (not-comparable)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%.”

   “The only path was narrow and rugged: two men could hardly walk abreast;”

2. (figuratively, not-comparable)Alongside; parallel to.
3. (not-comparable)Informed, well-informed, familiar, acquainted.
4. (not-comparable)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, not-comparable)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. (not-comparable)Side by side; also, opposite; on a line with the vessel's beam.
7. (not-comparable, obsolete)At the same time; simultaneously.

   “Abreast therewith began a convocation.”

adj

1. (not-comparable)Side by side, facing forward.
2. (figuratively, not-comparable)Alongside; parallel to.
3. (not-comparable)Informed, well-informed, familiar, acquainted.
4. (not-comparable)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.”

5. (not-comparable)Side by side; also, opposite; over against; on a line with the vessel's beam.

   “For quotations using this term, see Citations:abreast.”

prep

1. Abreast of; alongside.

   “This ship sank abreast the island.”