Forward
/ˈfɔːrwərd/
Definitions
4 meaningsIn the direction of progress or movement.
/ˈfɔːrwərd/
Towards the front; in the direction of progress or advancement
She leaned forward to get a better view.
💡 Simply: Think of it like walking *forward*—you're going ahead, not backward. It's about moving toward a goal or a place.
👶 For kids: Going ahead! Like walking *forward*.
More Examples
The company is looking to move forward with its plans.
He took a step forward.
How It's Used
"Please move the box forward."
"We are looking to move forward with the project."
To send something on; relay.
/ˈfɔːrwərd/
To send something to its destination
Can you forward this email to your colleague?
💡 Simply: It's like sending a message or a package to someone else. You *forward* it so they can get it!
👶 For kids: Like sending mail! You *forward* the message to the next person.
More Examples
She forwarded the document to the committee.
I will forward your request to the appropriate department.
How It's Used
"Please forward this email to your manager."
"Can you forward the message to the group?"
Located at or towards the front. Eager or bold.
/ˈfɔːrwərd/
Situated or moving toward the front; ready or eager
The *forward* part of the ship was damaged.
💡 Simply: Sometimes it means someone is *forward* like a soccer player near the goal. Or that someone is bold, not shy.
👶 For kids: Being in front! Or someone who is not shy.
More Examples
He was a very forward child, always speaking his mind.
The company is taking a forward approach to the issue.
How It's Used
"The team needed a good forward player."
"She was quite a forward young woman."
A player positioned at the front of a team (in sports like soccer or hockey).
/ˈfɔːrwərd/
A person who plays in an advanced position.
The team's *forward* scored the winning goal.
💡 Simply: It's like a player in a sport who's in the front, trying to score or make the plays.
👶 For kids: The player who gets closest to the goal!
More Examples
The coach decided to replace the *forward* with a new player.
The *forward* was injured during the game.
How It's Used
"The team needs a strong forward to score goals."
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
look forward to
To anticipate something with pleasure.
"I look forward to seeing you again."
go forward
To continue with something.
"We can't go forward with the project until we get the funding."
put something forward
To suggest an idea or proposal.
"The manager put forward a new strategy."
From Old English *foreweard*, meaning 'to the front, onward'. It combines 'fore' (before) and 'weard' (toward).
Historically, 'forward' has consistently implied a sense of direction and progress, both literal and metaphorical. It dates back to Old English.
Memory tip
Imagine a car *forward* on the road – moving ahead!