forward

Formsforwards, forwarding, forwarded

Pluralforwards

1. 1
   onwards (motion)adverb

   Toward the front or ahead, in the direction you are facing or going.

   The bus moved forward slowly in the heavy traffic.

   Keep going forward and don't give up on your dream.

   UsageSay move forward or step forward.

   Similarahead, onward, on

   Oppositebackward, back

2. 2
   onward in timeadverb

   Into the future, from now or from a certain time.

   From today forward, the store will close at nine.

   She decided to look forward instead of thinking about the past.

   UsageSay from today forward or going forward.

   Similaronward, ahead, forth, onwards

   Note
3. 3
   pass on (message)verbtransitive

   To send a message or letter you received on to someone else.

   Like passing a note down a row of desks until it reaches the right person.

   Please forward this email to everyone on the team.

   The post office forwarded her mail to the new apartment.

   UsageSay forward an email to someone.

   Similarsend, pass, relay, redirect, transmit

4. 4
   front partadjective

   At or near the front of something, or close to the enemy in a war.

   We sat in the forward part of the plane, near the pilots.

   The forward rows of the theater were already full.

   UsageSay the forward part of a plane.

   Similarfront, fore, leading, advanced

   Oppositerear, back, aft

5. 5
   attacker (sport)nouncountable

   In sports like soccer or hockey, a player whose main job is to attack and score.

   Our fastest forward scored two goals in the second half.

   The forwards stayed close to the other team's goal, waiting for a pass.

   Similarattacker

   Oppositedefender

   Note
6. 6
   promoteverbtransitive

   To help something grow, move ahead, or succeed.

   The new law will forward the country's clean energy goals.

   She works hard to forward the interests of local farmers.

   UsageSay forward a cause or someone's interests.

   Similaradvance, promote, further, foster, boost

   Oppositehinder, impede, obstruct, hamper

7. 7
   onward-movingadjective

   Going or pointing toward the front.

   The car's forward speed dropped as it climbed the hill.

   Runners lean into each forward stride to build speed.

   Oppositebackward, rearward

8. 8
   progress-makingadjectivefiguratively

   Making progress and moving in the direction people want.

   The new deal marks real forward progress for the town.

   After months of talks, the deal finally has some forward movement.

   UsageSay forward progress.

   Similarpositive, onward, progressive

   Oppositebackward, retrograde, regressive

9. 9
   basketballnouncountable

   In basketball, a player who is usually taller than the guards but shorter than the center.

   The forward grabbed the rebound and scored under the basket.

   Their tallest forward blocked two shots near the basket.

   Note
10. 10
    expected lateradjective

    Planned or expected to happen in the future.

    The shop already has forward orders for the new toy.

    Their forward plans include opening two more stores next year.

    Similarfuture, prospective, projected, advance, expected

    Oppositetrailing, past, historical

    Note
11. 11
    earlieradverb

    To an earlier time or date than planned.

    They moved the wedding forward from June to May.

    Can we bring the meeting forward to Monday instead of Friday?

    UsageTo bring a meeting forward is to make it earlier.

    Similarearlier

    Oppositeback

    Note
12. 12
    rugbynouncountable

    In rugby, one of the eight strong players whose main job is to win the ball.

    Their biggest forward carried the ball into the tackle again and again.

    The forwards pushed together in the scrum to win the ball.

    Oppositeback

    Note
13. 13
    to the bowadverb

    At or toward the front of a ship or boat.

    Go forward and check the anchor rope.

    The life jackets are stored forward, under the seats near the bow.

    Oppositeaft, astern

    Note

Showing meanings only. Show all 26