Abreast synonym,synonyms of abreast

1. Parallel
   • Meaning Similarity
     • “Abreast” and “parallel” share the idea of being side - by - side or in a similar position. When two things are “abreast,” they are level with each other, often moving or existing in a coordinated way. Similarly, “parallel” describes two or more lines, surfaces, or objects that are always the same distance apart and never meet. In a more metaphorical sense, two processes or developments can be “parallel” or “abreast” in terms of their progress. For example, in a rowing team, the rowers move their oars “abreast” to keep the boat moving smoothly. In a similar way, we can say that the development of technology and the growth of the digital economy are “parallel” trends, meaning they are progressing in a related and somewhat coordinated manner.
   • Usage Differences
     • “Parallel” is often used in a more geometric or spatial sense to describe physical objects or lines. For instance, “The two railway tracks run parallel to each other.” It can also be used in a more abstract sense to describe ideas, events, or processes that occur simultaneously and have similar characteristics. “Parallel” can be used as an adjective, adverb, or verb. As an adjective, it clearly defines the relationship between two or more things in terms of their non - intersecting and similar - positioned nature.
     • “Abreast,” on the other hand, is more commonly used to describe the position or movement of people or things in a group. It often implies a sense of being in step or in harmony. For example, “We walked abreast along the riverbank.” It can also be used in a more figurative sense to mean keeping up with something, like “keeping abreast of the latest news.” Here, it suggests staying informed and in a state of being up - to - date, which is a more dynamic and active sense compared to the static geometric relationship described by “parallel.”
2. Side - by - side
   • Meaning Similarity
     • “Side - by - side” is very similar to “abreast” as it directly conveys the physical position of two or more things being next to each other. If two people are walking “abreast,” they are walking “side - by - side.” For example, two friends might walk “side - by - side” through a park, chatting as they go. Just like when things are “abreast,” “side - by - side” implies a close proximity and a certain level of coordination in their movement or existence.
   • Usage Differences
     • “Side - by - side” is a more straightforward and commonly used phrase in everyday language. It is often used to describe the physical arrangement of objects or people in a simple and direct way. For example, “The two books were placed side - by - side on the shelf.” It is less formal compared to “abreast” in some contexts.
     • “Abreast” can be used in a more formal or literary context, especially when describing the movement or position of people in a group with a sense of unity or harmony. It can also be used in a more abstract sense, such as in business or academic contexts, to describe staying informed or in line with something. For example, “Businesses need to stay abreast of market trends,” which is a more formal way of saying they need to keep up with what's happening in the market, as opposed to using “side - by - side” which would be an inappropriate usage in this context.
3. In tandem
   • Meaning Similarity
     • “In tandem” and “abreast” both suggest a close and coordinated relationship between two or more entities. When two things are done “in tandem,” they are done together, often in a complementary or coordinated way. This is similar to when things are “abreast,” where there is a sense of working or moving together. For example, a cyclist and a runner might train “in tandem,” with the cyclist pacing the runner. In a similar vein, two departments in a company might work “abreast” to achieve a common goal, coordinating their efforts.
   • Usage Differences
     • “In tandem” often emphasizes the idea of cooperation and complementary action. It implies that the two or more entities are working together in a way that their efforts enhance each other. For example, “The marketing and sales teams work in tandem to increase the company's revenue,” highlighting the coordinated and mutually beneficial nature of their work.
     • “Abreast” can also imply a coordinated effort, but it has a stronger connotation of being in a similar position or level. It can be used more generally to describe the position or movement of things, not just in the context of cooperation. For example, “The two horses ran abreast,” simply describes their physical position while running, without necessarily emphasizing the cooperation aspect as strongly as “in tandem.”

In conclusion, “parallel,” “side - by - side,” and “in tandem” are synonyms of “abreast,” but each has its own nuances. “Parallel” has geometric and abstract applications, “side - by - side” is a simple and common way to describe physical proximity, and “in tandem” emphasizes cooperation. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right word to accurately convey the relationship between things in different contexts.