The phrase "keep abreast" means to stay informed about current events or changes in a particular situation. The spelling of "abreast" might seem confusing, but it's actually quite straightforward. The "a" is pronounced like the short "uh" sound, while the "b" and "r" are pronounced normally. The "ea" vowel combination is pronounced like the long "ee" sound, and the final "st" is also pronounced normally. So, the correct pronunciation is [kip uh-brest]. Remember to keep abreast of important news and updates!
To keep abreast means to stay informed or updated about the latest developments or news regarding a particular matter or subject. It involves actively gaining knowledge, staying current, and remaining up-to-date with the ongoing changes in a specific area of interest.
The term "keep abreast" originates from the nautical context where it referred to a ship keeping alongside another ship or maintaining the same level in order to navigate in formation. Over time, it has figuratively evolved to indicate the act of staying alongside or keeping pace with the flow of information.
In contemporary usage, to keep abreast means to be well-informed about the latest happenings, trends, advancements, or any pertinent information pertaining to a field, industry, or particular interest. This can be achieved through various means, such as regularly reading news articles, journals, books, or online publications, actively engaging in discussions or forums related to the topic, attending relevant events or conferences, or maintaining connections with experts or professionals within the field.
The ability to keep abreast is highly valued in today's fast-paced and ever-changing world, particularly in professions that require extensive knowledge and adaptability. It not only enables individuals to make knowledgeable and informed decisions but also helps them to remain competent and relevant in their respective fields. Thus, the act of keeping abreast is crucial for personal growth, professional development, and maintaining a competitive edge in various domains.
The phrase "keep abreast" originated in the mid-17th century and is a combination of two words: "keep", which has Old English roots, and "abreast", which is derived from Middle English.
1. "Keep": The word "keep" in this context comes from the Old English word "cēpan", meaning "to care for" or "to maintain". Over time, it evolved to refer to the act of preserving or guarding something.keep abreast", "keep" implies the action of maintaining or staying updated.
2. "Abreast": The term "abreast" was derived from Middle English "on brest", which means "side by side". "Brest" is related to the Old English word "brēost", referring to the breast. The phrase "side by side" evolved to express the idea of being aligned or parallel.