toward

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See also: to-ward and Toward

English[edit]

Etymology[edit]

From Middle English toward, from Old English tōweard, from Proto-West Germanic *tōward, equivalent to to +‎ -ward. Cognate with Middle Low German tôwart, Middle Dutch toewaert (Modern Dutch toewaarts), Middle High German zuowart, zūwart (Modern German zuwärts). Compare also Middle English tilward, tillward (toward).

Pronunciation[edit]

Preposition[edit]

toward (now chiefly US)

  1. In the direction of.
    She moved toward the door.
  2. In relation to (someone or something).
    What are your feelings toward him?
  3. For the purpose of attaining (an aim).
    I'm saving money toward retirement.
  4. Located close to; near (a time or place).
    Our place is over toward the station.

Usage notes[edit]

  • Although some have tried to discern a semantic distinction between the words toward and towards, the only difference in practice is dialectal. Toward is more common in American English and towards is more common in British English, though each form may be found in both varieties.

Alternative forms[edit]

Antonyms[edit]

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Translations[edit]

The translations below need to be checked and inserted above into the appropriate translation tables. See instructions at Wiktionary:Entry layout § Translations.

Adjective[edit]

toward (not comparable)

  1. Yielding, pliant; docile; ready or apt to learn; not froward.
  2. (dated) Approaching, coming near; impending; present, at hand.
  3. (obsolete or archaic) Promising, likely.
  4. (obsolete) Future; to-come.

Synonyms[edit]

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Further reading[edit]

Anagrams[edit]

Middle English[edit]

Alternative forms[edit]

Etymology[edit]

From Old English tōweard, tōwærd; equivalent to to +‎ -ward.

Preposition[edit]

toward

  1. In the direction of; toward.
  2. Into the presence of.
  3. In proximity to; near, by.
  4. In an exchange or communication with; to.
  5. Having a wont or tendency towards.
  6. Similar to.
  7. Subject to; under the control of.
  8. Useful for; prepared for.

Derived terms[edit]

Descendants[edit]

  • English: toward

Adjective[edit]

toward

  1. Future, forthcoming; to come.
  2. Near at hand; imminent, nigh.
  3. Moving forth.
  4. of goodwill, benevolent; well-tempered, gentle.

Related terms[edit]

Descendants[edit]

Adverb[edit]

toward

  1. In a given direction, typically toward something specific.
  2. Nearly, almost.

Derived terms[edit]

Related terms[edit]

References[edit]