towardly

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English

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Etymology

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From Middle English towardly; equivalent to toward +‎ -ly.

Pronunciation

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Adjective

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towardly (comparative more towardly, superlative most towardly)

  1. Promising, propitious.
    • 1644, John Milton, Areopagitica:
      What wants there to such a towardly and pregnant soile, but wise and faithfull labourers, to make a knowing people, a Nation of Prophets, of Sages, and of Worthies.
    • 1726 October 28, [Jonathan Swift], “The Author, by a Lucky Accident, Finds Means to Leave Blefuscu; and, after Some Difficulties, Returns Safe to his Native Country.”, in Travels into Several Remote Nations of the World. [] [Gulliver’s Travels], volume I, London: [] Benj[amin] Motte, [], →OCLC, part I (A Voyage to Lilliput), page 147:
      My Son Johnny, named ſo after his Uncle, was at the Grammar School, and a towardly Child. My daughter Betty (who is now well married, and has Children) was then at her Needle-Work.

Derived terms

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Middle English

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Etymology

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From toward +‎ -ly.

Adjective

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towardly

  1. Willing to act in a way favourable to others; obliging.

Adverb

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towardly

  1. In a manner that displays willingness to act favourably or pleasingly for others; obligingly.
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References

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