forward
adverb/ˈfɔːwəd/
/ˈfɔːrwərd/
For the special uses of forward in phrasal verbs, look at the entries for the verbs. For example look forward to something is in the phrasal verb section at look.Idioms - (also forwards especially in British English)towards a place or position that is in front
- She leaned forward and kissed him on the cheek.
- He took two steps forwards.
- They ran forward to welcome her.
- The procession slowly moved forward.
- Turn your wrists so that your palms face forward.
- He stands by the fire, rocking backward and forward.
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- (also forwards especially in British English)towards the future; ahead in time
- Looking forward, we hope to expand our operations in several of our overseas branches.
- The next scene takes the story forwards five years.
- The series moves back and forward through time.
- (old use) from this day forward
- towards a good result
- We consider this agreement to be an important step forward.
- Cutting our costs is the only way forward.
- We are not getting any further forward with the discussion.
- The project will go forward (= continue) as planned.
- The 21st century has seen trade between the two countries leap forward.
- earlier; sooner
- It was decided to bring the meeting forward two weeks.
- (specialist) in or towards the front part of a ship or plane
- forward of something The main cabin is situated forward of (= in front of) the mast.
Word OriginOld English forweard (in the sense ‘towards the future’, as in from this day forward), variant of forthweard (see forth, -ward).
Idioms
See forward in the Oxford Advanced American DictionarySee forward in the Oxford Learner's Dictionary of Academic Englishbackward(s) and forward(s)
- from one place or position to another and back again many times
- She rocked backwards and forwards on her chair.
- The film skips backwards and forwards through time.
going/moving forward
- (formal or business) in the future, starting from now
- We have a very solid financial position going forward.
- The strategy going forward is still undecided.
- Moving forward, we need to have a real plan.
put your best foot forward
- to make a great effort to do something, especially if it is difficult or you are feeling tired
put the clocks forward/back (British English)
(North American English set/move the clocks ahead/back)
- to change the time shown by clocks, usually by one hour, when the time changes officially, for example at the beginning and end of summer
- Remember to put your clocks back tonight.
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forward