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Abreast vs Alongside - What's the difference?

abreast | alongside |

As adverbs the difference between abreast and alongside

is that abreast is side by side, facing forward while alongside is along the side; by the side; side by side with.

As prepositions the difference between abreast and alongside

is that abreast is abreast of; alongside while alongside is together with or at the same time.

As an adjective abreast

is side by side, facing forward .

abreast

English

Alternative forms

* (l)

Adverb

(en adverb)
  • Side by side, facing forward.
  • *
  • *
  • (figurative) Alongside; parallel to.
  • Informed, well-informed, familiar, acquainted.
  • Up to a certain level or line; equally advanced; as, to keep abreast of [or with] the present state of science.
  • (nautical) Side by side; also, opposite; over against; on a line with the vessel's beam.
  • (obsolete): At the same time; simultaneously
  • *

    • Usage notes

    * (nautical) Abreast is followed by the word of . * (alongside) Abreast is followed by with' or ' of . * (informed) Abreast is followed by with' or ' of . * (up to a certain level) Abreast is followed by with' or ' of .

    Synonyms

    * (informed)

    Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • Side by side, facing forward.
  • (figurative) Alongside; parallel to.
  • Informed, well-informed, familiar, acquainted.
  • Up to a certain level or line; equally advanced; as, to keep abreast of [or with] the present state of science.
  • (nautical) Side by side; also, opposite; over against; on a line with the vessel's beam.

    • Preposition

    (English prepositions)
  • Abreast of; alongside.
    • This ship sank abreast the island.

    References

    Anagrams

    *

    alongside

    English

    Adverb

    (-)
  • Along the side; by the side; side by side with.
    • Ahoy, bring your boat alongside of mine.

    See also

    * para-

    Preposition

    (English prepositions)
  • Together with or at the same time.
  • * {{quote-news, year=2011, date=September 2, author=Phil McNulty, work=BBC
    • , title= Bulgaria 0-3 England , passage=The Italian opted for Bolton's Cahill alongside captain John Terry - and his decision was rewarded with a goal after only 13 minutes. Bulgaria gave a hint of defensive frailties to come when they failed to clear Young's corner, and when Gareth Barry found Cahill in the box he applied the finish past Nikolay Mihaylov.}}
  • * {{quote-magazine, date=2013-06-01, volume=407, issue=8838
    • , page=13 (Technology Quarterly), magazine=(The Economist) , title= Ideas coming down the track , passage=A “moving platform” scheme