WordGarden.iotoward
A2Pronunciation
UK
- /tʊwˈɔːd/
US
- /ˈtɔrd/
Meanings
Preposition
in the direction of or approaching a place, person, or thing
approaching a later point in time
in relation to or showing an attitude about someone or something
More meaningsFewer meanings
as a contribution to achieving, paying for, or reaching something
Beyond the definition
"Toward" works like an arrow, showing the way something is moving or facing. It does not mean arriving somewhere, but going in the direction of it, like a ship sailing toward the horizon or a sunflower turning toward the sun. It also describes feelings or attitude, such as being kind toward a friend or serious toward your studies. It can point to a later part of time, like getting tired toward the end of a long day, or to help with a goal, such as putting money toward a new car. It is a word of direction and steady movement.
The word "toward" shows direction, nearness, or a sense of leaning in a certain way. Most often, it tells you that someone or something is moving or facing in the direction of a place, person, or idea, without saying that the end point has been reached. For example, "The hikers walked toward the mountains" means they were heading that way, even if they were still far from the peaks.
"Toward" also works well in less physical situations. It often shows attitude, feeling, or behavior, such as "a growing sense of responsibility toward the community." In these cases, it points to where emotion or thought is directed. It can also mark a point in time; if something happens "toward the end of the century," it happens near the end of that period. Another common use is to show purpose or contribution, as in "saving money toward a down payment."
Grammatically, "toward" is a preposition, linking a noun or pronoun to the rest of the sentence. You may also see "towards" with an "s," especially in British English. In American English, "toward" is more common, but both forms mean the same thing. Whether you are describing a physical journey, an approaching time, or a change in feeling, "toward" helps show where things are headed.
Examples
- 1
Physical movement
She walked toward the door when her name was called.
- 2
Business goals
The company is working toward a faster checkout process.
- Patternwork toward + goal
try to achieve it
- 3
Preference
I'm leaning toward the smaller apartment.
- Patternlean toward + choice
start to prefer it
- 4
Workplace behavior
He has always been patient toward new employees.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Public opinion
Public attitudes toward remote work have changed quickly.
- 6
Funding
Part of the donation will go toward school lunches.
- Patterngo toward + cost/cause
be used to help pay for it
- 7
Progress
The new law is a step toward cleaner air.
- Patterna step toward + goal
progress in that direction
- 8
Time position
Toward the end of the movie, everyone in the theater went quiet.
- Patterntoward the end of + event/time
near its end
See also
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- towardAmericanpreposition
Regional spellings
- towardsBritishpreposition