DictionaryAI

towards

UKtuh-WAWDZ/təˈwɔːdz/tuu-WORDZ/tʊˈwɔɹdz/

US spellingtoward

6 meanings of towards

Practice

  1. 1
    directionpreposition
    Used to show which way someone or something is moving, facing or looking.

    The dog ran towards me, wagging its tail.

    Turn your chair towards the window.

    UsageWalk towards the shop means go that way; walk to the shop means get there.

    Similarto

    Oppositefrom

    Note
  2. 2
    regardingpreposition
    Used to show who or what your feelings or actions are aimed at.

    She was very kind towards the new girl in class.

    Many people feel angry towards the company after the price rise.

    UsageOften after feeling words: kind towards someone, feelings towards someone.

    Similarto, regarding, concerning

  3. 3
    for a goalpreposition
    Used to show the goal that something is meant to help you reach.

    I'm saving my pocket money towards a new bike.

    This is a big step towards our goal.

    UsageMoney towards something usually pays for just part of it.

    Similarfor

    Note
  4. 4
    close topreposition
    Used to say that something is not far from a place or a time.

    It started to rain towards evening.

    We sat towards the front of the bus.

    UsageOften in towards the end, towards the back or towards the front.

    Similarnear, around, about

    Note

Less common meanings

  1. 5
    adverbarchaic
    In the direction of something, when it is clear what that is.
    Note
  2. 6
    adjectivearchaic
    About to happen soon, or being made ready.
    We have a trifling foolish banquet towards.
    c. 1591, William Shakespeare, “The Tragedie of Romeo and Ivliet”
    Note

Practice

Can you tell the meanings of towards apart? Answer 3 quick questions from this page, or write your own sentence and AI will check it.

Origin

It comes from Old English and is toward + -s.

Checked 5 Nov 2026 · 2 facts