toward

Meanings

1. 1
   prep

   In the direction of someone or something.

   She walked 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 reaching a goal.

   I'm saving money toward a new car.

4. 4
   prep

   Near a particular time or place.

   It started raining toward the end of the afternoon.

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”).

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