forward

The word “forward” means located at or moving toward the front. In plain terms, toward the front, or ahead in time — also used for passing something along, or for an attacking sports player.

“Forward” is pronounced FAW-wuhd (/ˈfɔɹwəɹd/ in IPA).

Here is “forward” used in a sentence: “The forward cabin has the best view.”

Words with a similar meaning to “forward” include anterior, front and forwards.

The opposite of “forward” — its antonyms — are back, posterior, rear, antonym(s) of and restrained.

Depending on how it is used, “forward” can be an adjective, an adverb, a verb and a noun.

The word “forward” comes from Old English. From Old English foreweard, combining fore- ("front") and -ward ("in the direction of").

“Forward” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.

The opposite of forward is backward, which describes something located at or moving toward the rear rather than the front. Depending on context you might also use "rearward" or "reverse." For example, a forward step moves you ahead, while a backward step moves you back the way you came.

As an adjective, the word is always "forward" — you say "the forward cabin," never "forwards." The difference appears with the adverb: British English often uses "forwards" for movement ("step forwards"), while American English prefers "forward." As an adjective meaning toward the front, only "forward" is correct.

They sound alike but mean different things. "Forward" refers to position or movement toward the front, or sending something on. A "foreword," spelled with "-word," is a short introductory section at the front of a book, usually written by someone other than the author. Only "foreword" relates to writing.

You might say, "The pilot walked to the forward section of the plane," meaning the part nearest the front. Other examples include "the forward wheels of the car" or "a forward lunge in exercise." In each case, forward points to position at or motion toward the front.