forward
forward Lexical Profile
forward Game Scores & Validity
• adjective
Directed or moving toward the front, or situated in the front part of something, especially a ship or aircraft.
"Passengers seated in the forward cabin will disembark first."
Overly bold, presumptuous, or socially assertive in manner.
"She hoped her direct question about the salary would not seem too forward."
Relating to the future or made in advance, especially regarding financial contracts or planning.
"The airline locked in fuel prices using forward contracts to avoid market volatility."
• adverb
In the direction that one is facing or traveling; toward the front.
"The conductor asked the passengers to step forward into the aisle."
Onward in time; toward the future or a more advanced state of progress.
"From that day forward, the two universities collaborated on environmental research."
Into prominence, public view, or consideration.
"Several witnesses came forward to share what they had seen during the incident."
• verb
To send a letter, email, or message on to a further destination or another recipient.
"Please forward the meeting agenda to the rest of the department once it is finalized."
To help promote, advance, or further the progress of a cause, career, or project.
"She volunteered for international assignments to forward her diplomatic career."
• noun
An attacking player positioned near the front of a team's formation in sports such as basketball, soccer, or hockey.
"The team's star forward scored two goals in the second half of the tournament final."
A customized financial contract obligating two parties to buy or sell an asset at a specified price on a future date.
"The agricultural exporter used currency forwards to hedge against exchange rate fluctuations."
• interjection
Used as a command or exhortation to advance or move ahead.
"Forward! The expedition leader called out as the trail cleared."
Word Nuance & Usage
Do not confuse 'forward' (toward the front or future) with its homophone 'foreword' (a short introductory essay at the beginning of a book). In American English, 'forward' is standard for both the adjective and adverb, whereas British English frequently uses 'forwards' for the directional adverb.
• Rhymes for forward
Word Origin & Etymology
From Old English 'foreweard', a compound of 'fore' (before, in front) and '-weard' (toward), tracing back to Proto-Germanic roots denoting movement toward the front.