Forwardness
/ˈfɔːrwərdnəs/noun
The quality of being bold, assertive, unconventional, or excessively familiar.
Did you know?The suffix “-ness” comes from Old English and transforms a quality into an abstract thing, allowing “forward” behavior to become a named force or condition.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*furai + *wardaz
“Toward the front, with *wardaz meaning turned or directed toward”
Old English
OE
foreweard
“Forward, in front, or toward the front”
Middle English
ME
forward
“Toward the front; also advanced, ready, or bold”
16th Century
English
forwardness
“The quality of being forward, bold, eager, or presumptuous”
Modern English
English
forwardness
“Bold assertiveness, unconventional behavior, or excessive familiarity”