Forward
/ˈfɔrwərd/
adjectiveadverbnounverbB1
Definition
Forward is a word used to show movement or position toward the front or ahead. It can also mean thinking about the future or moving time ahead. Sometimes, it describes a person’s behavior when they are confident or bold, sometimes too much.
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See It in Action
Moving or directed toward the front or future
- •She took a step forward to greet her friend.
- •The car moved forward slowly in traffic.
- •We need to look forward and plan for next year.
Showing confidence or boldness in behavior
- •He was too forward when he spoke to the teacher.
- •The child was very forward, asking many questions.
- •Don’t be too forward with strangers.
A person or thing that moves ahead or leads (noun)
- •The soccer forward scored two goals.
- •Forwards in basketball try to get close to the basket.
- •She plays as a forward on the team.
To send or pass something on (verb)
- •Please forward the email to me.
- •The secretary forwarded the letter to the manager.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "forward" like "front" (A1 word), but it shows movement or direction going to the front or future, not just a place
- ✓Picture walking ahead on a path, moving closer to where you want to go
- ✓It's the feeling when you try something new without fear or when you plan for what will happen next
- ✓Sounds like "FOR-werd" → imagine pushing a door “for” you to open it and go ahead
- ✓In sports, a "forward" player moves toward the opponent’s goal to score points
- ✓NOT like "backward" (moving behind or to the past), "forward" means moving ahead or in front
- ✓NOT like "stop" or "stay" (no movement), "forward" always means some kind of moving or progress
- ✓NOT like "shy" (quiet or careful), "forward" can mean bold or confident behavior
Try Other Words
- •Onward: moving forward in space or time (Use when emphasizing continuous movement)
- •Send: to cause something to go to another place (Use when "forward" is a verb about sending messages or items)
- •Bold: confident and brave (Use when "forward" describes behavior)
- •Toward: in the direction of (Use when describing movement or position)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: No prefix or suffix, base word "forward" combines "for" (meaning ahead or in favor of) + "ward" (meaning direction or toward)
- •Etymology: Old English "forweard," meaning toward the front or future
- •Historical development: Used since early English times to describe direction and movement; later also used for time and behavior
- •Modern usage: Common in many contexts—movement, time, behavior, sports positions, and sending messages
Reflect & Connect
•How can being "forward" in behavior help or hurt communication with others?
•In what ways do you move "forward" in your life, and what does that look like for you?
Fill in the blanks
1.When the teacher asked a question, he answered quickly and was a bit too forward, showing ___ confidence that made others uncomfortable.
2.To keep the meeting on schedule, we need to move ___ and finish the discussion soon.
3.The soccer team's forward scored the winning goal by running ___ toward the net.
4.Please ___ the invitation to anyone who wants to come to the party.
5.Looking ___ means thinking about what will happen next, not what has already happened.
6.She took a step ___ to shake hands with the new guest.
7.Unlike moving backward, moving forward shows ___ progress or improvement.