advance

verb:to move forward or make progress, especially in a purposeful way
- The army will advance under the cover of darkness.
noun:a forward movement or development
- Recent advances in medicine have saved countless lives.
noun:a payment made before it is due
- She received an advance on her salary to cover the unexpected expenses.
noun:a preliminary version of a work provided before its official release
- The publisher sent out an advance copy of the novel to reviewers.
noun:attempts to start a sexual relationship
- She rejected his inappropriate advances at the party.