toward

Meanings

1. 1
   prep

   In the direction of.

   She moved toward the door.

2. 2
   prep

   In relation to (someone or something).

   What are your feelings toward him?

3. 3
   prep

   For the purpose of attaining (an aim).

   I'm saving money toward retirement.

4. 4
   prep

   Located close to; near (a time or place).

   Our place is over toward the station.

5. 5
   adj

   Approaching, coming near; impending; present, at hand.

   Do you heare ought (Sir) of a Battell toward.

6. 6
   adj

   Promising, likely.

   Clif[ford] Why that is ſpoken like a toward Prince.

7. 7
   adj

   Future; to-come.

   But ear that wiſhed day his beame diſcloſd, / He either enuying my toward good, / Or of him ſelfe to treaſon ill diſpoſd / One day vnto me came in friendly mood, / And told for ſecret how he vnderſtood / […]

8. 8
   adj

   Yielding, pliant; docile; ready or apt to learn; not froward.

Etymology

From Middle English toward, from Old English tōweard, from Proto-West Germanic *tōward, equivalent to to + -ward. Cognate with Middle Low German tôwart, Middle Dutch toewaert (Modern Dutch toewaarts), Middle High German zuowart, zūwart (Modern German zuwärts). Compare also Middle English tilward, tillward (“toward”).