towards
tuh-WAWDZ
Towards (preposition) means In the direction of something or someone. Example: “The dog ran towards the gate as soon as it opened.”
preposition
1
In the direction of something or someone.
"The dog ran towards the gate as soon as it opened."
"Attitudes towards remote work have shifted a lot."
"She turned and walked slowly towards the old wooden bridge."
How to use towards
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishIdentical in meaning to "toward" — in the direction of, or in relation to.
UK vs US
"Towards" is the preferred spelling in British English; American English tends to prefer "toward."
Easily confused with
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The dog ran _____ the gate as soon as it opened.
Etymology
From Old English tōweardes, formed from toward plus the adverbial suffix -s.
Synonyms
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Frequently asked questions
What does “towards” mean?
The word “towards” means in the direction of something or someone. In plain terms, identical in meaning to "toward" — in the direction of, or in relation to.
How do you pronounce “towards”?
“Towards” is pronounced tuh-WAWDZ (/tʊˈwɔɹdz/ in IPA).
How do you use “towards” in a sentence?
Here is “towards” used in a sentence: “The dog ran towards the gate as soon as it opened.”
What part of speech is “towards”?
“Towards” is a preposition.
Where does the word “towards” come from?
The word “towards” comes from Old English. From Old English tōweardes, formed from toward plus the adverbial suffix -s.
Is “towards” a common word?
“Towards” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
What is the difference between "towards" and "toward"?
There is no difference in meaning — both mean "in the direction of." The distinction is regional: "towards" (with the s) is standard in British English, while "toward" is more common in American English. Either is correct; the key is to stay consistent within a single piece of writing.
Is "towards" a real word?
Yes, "towards" is a completely standard preposition, especially in British, Australian, and Irish English. It means moving or facing in the direction of something, as in "she walked towards the door." American writers often drop the s and write "toward," but both spellings are fully accepted.
What is an example of "towards" in a sentence?
"He leaned towards the window to see better," or "public attitudes are shifting towards renewable energy." The word can describe physical direction (moving towards a place) or a figurative one (progress towards a goal, feelings towards a person). It always points to the thing being approached or aimed at.
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