First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1toward
adjective to·ward \ˈtō-ərd, ˈtȯ(-ə)rd\
Definition of TOWARD
1
2
a obsolete : quick to learn : apt b : propitious, favoring <a toward breeze>
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Origin of TOWARD
Middle English toward, from Old English tōweard facing, imminent, from tō, preposition, to + -weard -ward
2toward
preposition to·ward \ˈtō-ərd(z), ˈtȯ(-ə)rd(z), tə-ˈwȯrd(z), ˈtwȯrd(z), ˈtwōrd(z)\
: in the direction of (something or someone)
—used to indicate the direction faced by something
: near (a particular place)
Full Definition of TOWARD
1
: in the direction of <driving toward town>
2
a : along a course leading to <a long stride toward disarmament> b : in relation to <an attitude toward life>
3
a : at a point in the direction of : near <a cottage somewhere up toward the lake> b : in such a position as to be in the direction of <your back was toward me>
4
: not long before <toward the end of the afternoon>
5
a : in the way of help or assistance in <did all he could toward raising campaign funds> b : for the partial payment of <proceeds go toward the establishment of a scholarship>
See toward defined for English-language learners
See toward defined for kids
Variants of TOWARD
to·ward or to·wards \ˈtō-ərd(z), ˈtȯ(-ə)rd(z), tə-ˈwȯrd(z), ˈtwȯrd(z), ˈtwōrd(z)\
First Known Use of TOWARD
before 12th century
Related to TOWARD
- Synonyms
- apropos, apropos of, as far as, as for, as regards (also as respects), as to, concerning, of, on, regarding, respecting, touching, about (or towards)
TOWARD Defined for Kids
toward
preposition to·ward \ˈtō-ərd, tə-ˈwȯrd\
Definition of TOWARD for Kids
1
: in the direction of <We're heading toward town.>
2
: along a course leading to <They made efforts toward peace.>
3
: in regard to <I like his attitude toward life.>
4
: so as to face <Their backs were toward me.>
5
: 2near <I awoke toward morning.>
6
: as part of the payment for <She put money toward a new car.>
Variants of TOWARD
to·ward or to·wards \ˈtō-ərdz, tə-ˈwȯrdz\
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