abreast

Definition

Side by side and facing forward.

Etymology

From Middle English abrest. By surface analysis, a- (“on, at”) + breast, meaning “breasts (chests) in line, side-by-side and exactly equally advanced”; roughly “breast-by-breast”.

Example Sentences

• "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;"
• "She believes it is important to keep abreast of new scientific developments."