Forward
/ˈfɔːrwərd/noun
Toward the front or in the direction ahead; also, ready to act or advance.
Did you know?In Old English, the word was literally built from “fore” + a directional suffix, and its history shows how English turns body-space into destiny-space: what’s in front becomes what’s next.
Etymological Timeline
Old English
OE
forweard
“toward the front; in front”
Middle English
ME
forward(e)
“toward the front, onward”
Late Old English / Middle English
OE/ME
foreweard
“forepart; moving ahead; also used adverbially”
16th Century
English
forward
“onward, ahead in space or time; also bold or ready”
Modern English
English
forward
“toward the front or ahead; progressive or advanced”