forward

for|ward1 [ `fɔrwərd ] function word ***

Forward can be used in the following ways:

as an adverb:

I stepped forward to greet him.

as an adjective:

I hope you don't think I'm being too forward.

The marines took up forward positions.

as part of the preposition phrase forward of:

two yards forward of the vehicle

1. ) in the direction in front of you

a ) moving in the direction in front of you:

The car started to roll forward very slowly.

Suddenly the door opened, blocking my forward movement.

I reached forward to touch her hand, but she moved it away.

b ) looking in the direction that is in front of you

2. ) nearer the front in a position toward the front of a room or vehicle:

Let's sit farther forward so we can see the stage better.

the forward part of the train

3. ) toward the future or a better state

a ) thinking about or planning for the future, especially in a hopeful way:

We are looking forward to new possibilities.

b ) progressing or getting better as time passes:

Officials concede that the way forward will not be easy.

a giant leap forward in computer technology

c ) from that day/time/moment etc. forward starting at that day/time etc. and continuing on into the future:

From that day forward, he never read another book.

4. ) confident very confident and direct about saying what you think, in a way that is not socially appropriate:

Was I being too forward when I asked to stay the weekend?

5. ) to a later time on a clock if you set a clock or watch forward, you change the time it shows to a later time

forward of FORMAL

in front of someone or something:

The men were fighting forward of the main line of defense.

forward

for|ward 2 [ `fɔrwərd ] verb transitive

1. ) to send a letter, package, e-mail, etc. that has been sent to your address to someone else at another address:

Your enquiry has been forwarded to our head office.

2. ) to help something to progress or get better:

a good opportunity to forward your cause

forward

for|ward 3 [ `fɔrwərd ] noun count

a player in a game such as basketball, soccer, or HOCKEY whose job is to attack the other team and score