WordGarden.ioforward
A2Pronunciation
UK
- /fˈɔːwəd/
US
- /ˈfɔrwərd/
Meanings
Adverb
toward the front or in the direction ahead
onward to a later time or more advanced point
Adjective
located near the front or facing ahead
overly bold, direct, or socially presumptuous
Verb
to send a message, email, or item on to another recipient
Noun
an attacking player positioned near the front in a team sport
Beyond the definition
"Forward" isn't just about direction; it's about progress! Think of a soldier charging forward into battle, or a company pushing forward with new ideas. It can mean moving ahead physically—like taking a step forward—but also figuratively, as in looking forward to a vacation. You might even hear the phrase "pay it forward," meaning to respond to a person's kindness by being kind to someone else.
The word has a surprising range! A forward pass in American football is very different from being forward with your opinions, which means being honest and direct. You can also forward an email by sending it on to another person. So, whether you're moving ahead, speaking your mind, or passing something along, "forward" suggests action and movement.
The word "forward" has a fascinating duality: it describes both physical movement and mental or emotional progress. At its most basic, "forward" means toward the front, or in the direction someone or something is facing or traveling. For example: "He took a step forward," or "The car moved slowly forward."
However, "forward" quickly expands beyond simple direction. It can describe progress and development: "We need to move this project forward," or "She's dedicated to forwarding the cause of environmental protection." This sense is often linked to effort and initiative. In a digital sense, you can also "forward" an email, sending it on to a new recipient.
"Forward" also describes a personality trait. Being forward means being direct, outspoken, and sometimes a little too bold. "She was very forward in expressing her disagreement." Depending on the situation, this can seem refreshing and honest, or a bit rude.
In specific contexts, "forward" takes on specialized meanings. In sports like soccer or basketball, a forward is a player positioned closer to the opponent's goal, primarily tasked with scoring. In finance, "forward contracts" are agreements to buy or sell something at a specific price on a future date.
Finally, "forward" can point to what comes next. We often say we "look forward to" events to show anticipation and excitement. So, whether it's about physical direction, steady progress, direct communication, passing something along, specialized roles, or hopeful expectation, "forward" is a word full of movement and possibility.
Examples
- 1
Physical movement
Please step forward when I call your name.
- 2
Body position
She leaned forward to hear him better.
- 3
Direction
On the bus, all the seats face forward.
- 4
Offering information
No one came forward to admit the mistake.
- Phrasecome forward
offer help or information
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Time onward
From this point forward, the office will close at six.
- 6
Progress
After months of delay, the project is finally moving forward again.
- Phrasemove forward
make progress
- 7
Anticipation
I'm really looking forward to the holiday.
- Patternlook forward to + future event
feel happy and excited about it
- 8
Suggesting ideas
She put forward a strong argument for changing the policy.
- Patternput forward + idea/argument
suggest it
- 9
Schedule change
Can we bring the meeting forward by half an hour?
- Patternbring + event forward
move it to an earlier time
- 10
Digital messages
I forwarded the email to our support team.
- Patternforward + message
send it on to another person
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- forwardnounverbadjectiveadverb
Forms
- forwardspluralnounverbadjective
- forwardedpast tenseverbnounadjective
- forwarding-ing formverbnounadjective