forward

I UK [ˈfɔː(r)wə(r)d] / US [ˈfɔrwərd] adjective, adverb **

Summary:

Forward can be used in the following ways: - as an adverb: I stepped forward to greet him. - as an adjective: I hope you don't think I'm being too forward. ♦ The marines took up forward positions. - as part of the preposition phrase forward of: two yards forward of the vehicle
Usage note:
Forward and forwards have similar meanings and uses, but speakers of American English usually use the form forward. Speakers of British English often use the form forwards for senses 1, 2, and 3.

1) in the direction in front of you

a) moving in the direction in front of you

The car started to roll forward very slowly.

Suddenly the door opened, blocking my forward movement.

I reached forward to touch her hand, but she moved it away.

b) looking in the direction that is in front of you

2) nearer the front in a position towards the front of a room or vehicle

Let's sit further forward so we can see the stage better.

the forward part of the train

3) towards the future or a better state

a) thinking about or planning for the future, especially in a hopeful way

We are looking forward to new possibilities.

forward planning/thinking:

A bit more forward planning would have helped.

b) progressing or getting better as time passes

Officials concede that the way forward will not be easy.

a giant leap forward in computer technology

no further forward:

The investigation into these allegations seems no further forward.

4) confident very confident and direct about saying what you think, in a way that is not socially suitable

Was I being too forward when I asked to stay the weekend?

5) to a later time on a clock if you put a clock or watch forward, you change the time it shows to a later time

•

from that day/time/moment etc forward — starting at that day/time etc and continuing on into the future

From that day forward, he never read another book.

- forward of

II UK [ˈfɔː(r)wə(r)d] / US [ˈfɔrwərd] verb [transitive]
Word forms "forward":
present tense I/you/we/they forward he/she/it forwards present participle forwarding past tense forwarded past participle forwarded

1) to send a letter, parcel, email etc that has been sent to your address to someone else at another address

Your enquiry has been forwarded to our head office.

2) to help something to progress or get better

a good opportunity to forward your cause

III UK [ˈfɔː(r)wə(r)d] / US [ˈfɔrwərd] noun [countable]
Word forms "forward":
singular forward plural forwards

a player in a game such as basketball, football, or hockey whose job is to attack the other team and score