ahead
UK: əˈhed | US: əˈhed
adv. in front; forward in position or time
adv. in advance; earlier than expected
adv. leading or winning in a competition
The word "ahead" combines the Old English prefix "a-" (meaning "on" or "toward") with "head," referring to the front or top of something. Originally, it conveyed the idea of moving or being positioned at the forefront. Over time, it expanded to include temporal (e.g., planning ahead) and competitive contexts (e.g., leading in a race). The logic is straightforward: "head" as the forward part of the body metaphorically extends to spatial and abstract advancement.
She walked ahead of the group to scout the path.
Finish your work ahead of the deadline.
Our team is ahead by five points in the game.
Think ahead to avoid future problems.
The road ahead was clear and sunny.