What does abreast mean?
"Abreast" is an adverb with two closely related senses. Literally, it describes people or things positioned side by side, facing the same direction and level with one another — as when cyclists ride two or three abreast on a road. Figuratively, it means being fully informed or up to date, most often in the idiomatic expression "keep abreast of," as in keeping abreast of scientific developments or current affairs. The word derives from the phrase "on the breast": things that are abreast have their breasts, or fronts, aligned. This physical origin gives the figurative sense its logic — to stay abreast of something is to remain level with it, neither falling behind nor racing ahead. The word carries a slightly formal tone and appears frequently in journalism, business writing, and professional contexts, where staying current is valued. Its enduring usefulness lies in this elegant fusion of spatial and intellectual meanings.
adverbSide by side and facing the same direction; up to date or fully informed about something.
- Side by side with someone or something, facing the same direction and level with them.
- Fully informed or up to date about events, developments, or knowledge (used chiefly in 'keep/stay abreast of').
"The two swimmers stayed abreast of each other across the channel."
"The cyclists rode three abreast along the coastal road."
"She reads industry journals every morning to keep abreast of new regulations."
"Abreast" literally means "at the breast" — riding two horses abreast once meant their chests were level, which is why keeping abreast of the news means staying level with it.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of abreast
"Abreast" originated in Middle English as a combination of the prefix "a-" (from Old English "on," meaning "on" or "in") with "breast," producing the literal sense "on the breast" or "at the level of the chest." It has been used since at least the late medieval period to describe riders or rowers positioned side by side. The figurative sense of being well informed developed later by extension from the idea of keeping level with something. The root "breast" itself is ancient Germanic, related to German "Brust," making words like "breastplate" and "breaststroke" true relatives of the term.
How abreast is actually used
Almost always used after 'keep', 'stay', or 'remain' in its figurative sense ('keep abreast of'), where it functions as an idiom meaning to stay informed. In its literal sense it typically follows verbs of motion such as 'walk', 'ride', or 'march'. Slightly formal in register; rare in casual speech except within the idiomatic phrase.