What is the True Antonym of 'Postpone'?

The quest for the antonym of the word 'postpone' has a fascinating linguistic history dating back over a century. In 1900, someone placed a classified ad in the New York Times seeking a word that meant the opposite of postpone. The most creative suggestion then came from “antepone”, although its usage remains limited and controversial.

Understanding Antonyms: Pause and Continue

My opinion on the antonym of 'pause' is that 'continue' or 'proceed' are the most appropriate choices. If your query was about finding an antonym for 'postpone', these suggestions will undoubtedly serve the purpose. So, if you are wondering about what word denotes the opposite of postponing, 'continue' is a valid and widely accepted choice.

Exploring Antonyms of 'Postpone'

When we examine the antonyms of 'postpone', several words emerge as potential opposites:

Advanced: This term is often used in formal contexts, such as in the scheduling of elections or events. Moved Up: This phrase is more commonly used in informal contexts and is particularly relevant in situations where events or deadlines are brought forward. Antepone: Although it was suggested as a possible opposite, 'antepone' is not a widely accepted or grammatically correct term. Brought Forward: This is another commonly used term, similar to 'advanced' and 'moved up', and is effective in various contexts. Expedited: Used when actions are taken to hasten a process, often in formal settings. Furthered: This denotes actions that further the progress of a plan or event. Hastened: This implies a rapid acceleration of a process to achieve an early completion. Persevered: This word conveys the perseverance in the face of delays, bringing something to an early completion. Preponed: Often used in Indian English, but not widely accepted in formal English.

Among these, 'advanced' stands out as the most commonly accepted and modernly used term to denote the opposite of 'postpone'.

Modern Usage and Acceptance

'Advanced' is now the standard term in many formal contexts. For instance, consider these examples:

Elections in this ward which got postponed through previous circular to May 30th 2022 are now advanced to May 5th 2022. Voters who read this may please spread this amongst other known voters, especially the opposition members to you.

This usage is found in official documents, news articles, and professional settings where clarity and precision are crucial.

Evolving Language: 'Preponed' vs. 'Advanced'

Despite the creative suggestion of 'prepone'—a term derived from 'postpone' by reversing the prefix and suffix—it is not a grammatically accepted word in English. The correct opposite of 'postpone' is 'advance.' Grammar educators and usage experts recommend using 'advanced' to maintain clarity and adhere to established linguistic rules. For example:

Although most people would regard 'prepone' as the opposite of 'postpone,' that is not correct. 'Prepone' is not a grammatically accepted word. The correct opposite of 'postpone' would be 'advance.'

This ongoing evolution in language usage reflects how terms can change over time, with 'advance' being the most accurate and widely accepted term for the opposite of 'postpone' in modern English.