toward

[tawrd, tohrd, tuh-wawrd, twawrd, twohrd, tawrd, tohrd]

preposition

1. in the direction of.

   to walk toward the river.

2. with a view to obtaining or having; for.

   They're saving money toward a new house.

3. in the area or vicinity of; near.

   Our cabin is toward the top of the hill.

4. turned to; facing.

   Her back was toward me.

5. shortly before; close to.

   toward midnight.

6. as a help or contribution to.

   to give money toward a person's expenses.

7. with respect to; as regards.

   his attitude toward women.

adjective

1. about to come soon; imminent.

2. going on; in progress; afoot.

   There is work toward.

3. propitious; favorable.

4. Obsolete.

   1. promising or apt, as a student.

   2. compliant; docile.

toward

adjective

1. rare,  in progress; afoot

2. obsolete,  about to happen; imminent

3. obsolete,  promising or favourable

preposition

1. a variant of towards

Other Word Forms

• towardness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of toward¹

First recorded before 900; Middle English; Old English tōweard; equivalent to to + -ward

Word History and Origins

Origin of toward¹

Old English tōweard; see _to , _-ward

Idioms and Phrases

see go a long way toward.

Example Sentences

By the time he enrolled at Westchester High — his classmates included comedian Phil Hartman and Manson Family member Lynette “Squeaky” Fromme — Volman had gravitated toward irreverence.

From Los Angeles Times

Days after California announced that it will form a “West Coast health alliance” with Oregon and Washington, officials on Friday said the Golden State will also join a collaborative agreement with 12 other states, provinces and territories geared toward the prevention and suppression of wildfires.

From Los Angeles Times

At the beginning of “Romulus,” Andy’s gentle grin and occasional glitches explain Rain’s protectiveness toward him.

From Salon

But feeling alone and stuck in New York City, she turns toward this place of cultural familiarity, where the imam counsels her that she’ll be rewarded for her obedience in her next life.

From Los Angeles Times

In addition, the city will dedicate $250,000 toward the development of new affordable housing, formally acknowledge that the ban harmed fair housing efforts and accept increased state monitoring of its housing policies.

From Los Angeles Times