Definition

1. Adverb:
   • Toward the front or in the direction one is facing or moving: Indicates movement or orientation in a forward direction.
   • Toward the future; onward in time: Indicates progression or advancement in a sequence or timeline.
   • Into a position of prominence or notice: Indicates bringing something to attention or into view.

Usage Examples

• Adverb:
  • She leaned forwards to hear the speaker more clearly. (Movement toward the front.)
  • The project is moving forwards according to schedule. (Progression in time or process.)
  • He put his best ideas forwards during the meeting. (Into a position of notice.)

Advanced Usage

• "to look forwards to": To anticipate something with pleasure.
  • I look forwards to our meeting next week.
• "to bring forwards": To move an event to an earlier date or time; to present an idea or argument.
  • They brought the meeting forwards by two days.
  • The lawyer brought several key pieces of evidence forwards.

Variants and Related Words

• Forward (adverb, adjective, verb, noun): The base form. As an adverb, it is often interchangeable with "forwards," especially in American English.
  • Please step forward/forwards.
• Forwardness (noun): The quality of being bold or assertive.
• Forward-looking (adjective): Progressive; planning for the future.
  • The company has a forward-looking strategy.

Synonyms

• Ahead: In or toward the front.
• Onward: In a continuing forward direction; ahead.
• Frontward: Toward the front.

Phrasal Verbs and Related Phrases

• Carry forwards (or carry forward): To transfer an amount to a new page or column, or to a later time.
  • The balance was carried forwards to the next fiscal year.
• Push forwards: To continue making progress with effort.
  • Despite the difficulties, we must push forwards with the plan.

Related Idioms

• Forwards and backwards (or backward and forward): Thoroughly; in great detail.
  • He knows the procedure forwards and backwards.
• Put one's best foot forwards: To make a good impression by trying one's hardest.
  • It's important to put your best foot forwards in a job interview.

Adverb

1. in a forward direction
   • go ahead
   • the train moved ahead slowly
   • the boat lurched ahead
   • moved onward into the forest
   • they went slowly forward in the mud
2. at or to or toward the front; (`forrad' and `forrard' are dialectal variations)
   • he faced forward
   • step forward
   • she practiced sewing backward as well as frontward on her new sewing machine