further、advance、promote、contribute与push这些动词都含“促进、推进”之意。
further : 中性词，既可指对好事的促进、推进，又可指对坏事的助长。
- Before we go any further with the project, I think we should make sure that there's enough money to fund it.
在我们推进这个计划之前，我觉得我们应该核实一下是否有足够的资金来支持。 - If you wish to take the matter further, you can file charges against him.
如果你想采取进一步行动的话，可以对他提出指控。
advance : 通常指为加速某一进程或达到某个预期目的而给予有效的促进，强调作出有意识、决定性的努力。
- The fire advanced steadily through the forest.
大火在森林中不断蔓延。 - The troops advanced on the city (= approached it, ready to attack).
军队向该城推进。 - We have advanced greatly in our knowledge of the universe.
在认识宇宙方面，我们已经取得长足的进步。 - Her study has considerably advanced (= helped) the cause of equal rights.
她的研究极大地促进了权利平等运动的事业。 - He's just trying to advance (= improve) his own career.
他只是在努力拓展自己的事业。
promote : 指在某一进程的任何时期或阶段提供积极的帮助与支持。
- Advertising companies are always having to think up new ways to promote products.
广告公司总是得想出新办法来促销。 - The Institute is intended to promote an understanding of the politics and culture of the Arab world.
该协会旨在促进人们对阿拉伯世界政治文化的了解。 - Greenpeace works to promote awareness of the dangers that threaten our planet today.
绿色和平组织致力于促使人们了解当前威胁地球的危机。 - It has long been known that regular exercise promotes all-round good health.
经常锻炼能促进全面健康，这一点已久为人知。
contribute : 指能促进事物向前发展的因素，但这种因素并非决定性的。
- Smoking contributed to his early death.
吸烟导致他早逝。
push : 口语用词，通常指利用自己的活动或影响推进某事。
- Can you help me move this table? You push and I'll pull.
你能帮我挪一下这张桌子吗？你推我拉。 - The window sticks - you have to push hard to open it.
这扇窗户卡住了，开的时候得使劲推。 - He helped me push my car off the road.
他帮我把车推离了公路。 - He pushed his plate away from him, refusing to eat any more.
他把盘子从面前推开，不想再吃了。 - She pushed her hair out of her eyes.
她把头发从眼睛上撩开。 - I tried to push the door open but it was stuck.
我想把门推开，但门卡住了。 - It isn't clear whether he fell off the balcony or was pushed.
他是跌下阳台的，还是被推下去的，这一点还不清楚。 - To turn the television on, you just push (= press) this button.
要打开电视机，你只要按一下这个按钮就行了。 - He pushed the money into my hand (= forcefully gave me the money), saying, "Please take it."
他把钱硬塞在我手里，说道：“请收下。” - We pushed the boat off from (= moved the boat forward by using pressure against) the river bank.
我们把船撑离河岸。
