First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1forward
adjective for·ward \ˈfȯr-wərd, also ˈfō- or ˈfȯ-, Southern also ˈfär-\
: near or belonging to the front part of something
: moving or directed ahead or toward the front
: moving toward the future or toward a more advanced state or condition
Full Definition of FORWARD
1
a : near, being at, or belonging to the forepart b : situated in advance
3
: notably advanced or developed : precocious
4
: moving, tending, or leading toward a position in front; also : moving toward an opponent's goal
5
6
: of, relating to, or getting ready for the future <forward buying of produce>
— for·ward·ly adverb
— for·ward·ness noun
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Origin of FORWARD
Middle English, from Old English foreweard, from fore- + -weard -ward
Related to FORWARD
- Synonyms
- bold, familiar, presumptuous, free, immodest, overfamiliar, presuming
- Antonyms
- modest, unassuming
Rhymes with FORWARD
2forward
adverb
: toward the front : to or toward what is ahead or in front
: toward the future
: to or toward a more advanced state or condition
Full Definition of FORWARD
: to or toward what is ahead or in front <from that time forward> <moved slowly forward>
See forward defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of FORWARD
before 12th century
3forward
verb
: to send (something you have received, such as a letter) to someone else
: to send (something that has arrived, such as a letter) to another place
: to help (something) make progress or continue to a more advanced state
Full Definition of FORWARD
transitive verb
1
: to help onward : promote <forwarded his friend's career>
2
a : to send forward : transmit <will forward the goods on receipt of your check> b : to send or ship onward from an intermediate post or station in transit <forward mail>
See forward defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of FORWARD
1596
Related to FORWARD
Synonym Discussion of FORWARD
advance, promote, forward, further mean to help (someone or something) to move ahead. advance stresses effective assisting in hastening a process or bringing about a desired end <advance the cause of peace>. promote suggests an encouraging or fostering and may denote an increase in status or rank <a campaign to promote better health>. forward implies an impetus forcing something ahead <a wage increase would forward productivity>. further suggests a removing of obstacles in the way of a desired advance <used the marriage to further his career>.
4forward
noun
sports : a player who plays near the opponent's goal
Full Definition of FORWARD
: a player who plays at the front of his team's formation near the goal at which his team is attempting to score
See forward defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of FORWARD
1879
FORWARDNESS Defined for Kids
1forward
adjective for·ward \ˈfȯr-wərd\
Definition of FORWARD for Kids
1
: near, at, or belonging to the front part <a ship's forward deck>
2
: moving, tending, or leading to a position in front <He made a sudden forward movement.>
3
: lacking proper modesty or reserve
2forward
adverb \ˈfȯr-wərdz\
Definition of FORWARD for Kids
: to or toward what is in front <Everyone moved forward.>
Variants of FORWARD
forward or for·wards \ˈfȯr-wərdz\
3forward
verb
for·ward·edfor·ward·ing
Definition of FORWARD for Kids
1
: to send on or ahead <forward a letter>
2
: to help onward : advance <forward a cause>
4forward
noun
Definition of FORWARD for Kids
: a player at or near the front of his or her team or near the opponent's goal
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