adj
Uncommon
onward
ON-wuhd
Onward (adj) means moving or directed forward, or further ahead in time. Example: “The team's onward march to the finals impressed everyone.”
adj
1
Moving or directed forward, or further ahead in time.
"There was an onward rush as the gates opened."
"The team's onward march to the finals impressed everyone."
adv
1
In a forward direction, or continuing from a point in time.
"From next year onward, the policy will apply to everyone."
How to use onward
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishMoving forward, or continuing from a certain point onward in time.
UK vs US
Both "onward" and "onwards" are used in British English; American English favors "onward."
Easily confused with
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- onwards
- Past tense
- onwarded
- Comparative
- more onward
- Superlative
- most onward
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The team's _____ march to the finals impressed everyone.
Etymology
From on + the suffix -ward, indicating direction.
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “onward” mean?
The word “onward” means moving or directed forward, or further ahead in time. In plain terms, moving forward, or continuing from a certain point onward in time.
How do you pronounce “onward”?
“Onward” is pronounced ON-wuhd (/ˈɒnwəd/ in IPA).
How do you use “onward” in a sentence?
Here is “onward” used in a sentence: “The team's onward march to the finals impressed everyone.”
What part of speech is “onward”?
Depending on how it is used, “onward” can be an adjective and an adverb.
Is “onward” a common word?
“Onward” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “onward” have?
“Onward” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: moving or directed forward, or further ahead in time.
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