forward
gb/fˈɔɹwɚd/ us/fˈɔɹwɚd/
A2
English
~ 900
Senses
0 senses
adverb
A2
relation
1
In the direction ahead
Moving to a place in front or to a later time.
Usage pattern:
to move [something/someone] forward
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'forward' with 'forwards'. Both are correct in most contexts, but 'forward' is more common in American English.
Synonyms
ahead (Often interchangeable, but 'ahead' can also imply being in a leading position.)
Antonyms
backward (Indicates movement or direction toward the rear instead of the front.)
Collocations
move forward
|step forward
|look forward
|push forward
|go forward
Themes
movement
|time
|daily life
|space
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- She took a step forward to get a better view.
- The project is moving forward as planned.
- He leaned forward to hear her better.
- Please move your car forward a little.
- We look forward to seeing you soon.
Learner examples
- He walked forward to the door.
- Please move forward in the line.
- The bus went forward slowly.
- I look forward to my birthday.
- She stepped forward to speak.
Verb
B1
action
2
Send something onward
To send a letter, email, or message to someone else.
Usage pattern:
to forward [something] to [someone]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'forward' with 'send'. 'Forward' specifically means sending something on from one person/place to another, not sending for the first time.
Synonyms
send on (Similar meaning but less formal; often used for physical items.)
Antonyms
withhold (To keep something instead of sending it onward.)
Collocations
forward an email
|forward a message
|forward a letter
|forward details
Themes
communication
|business
|work
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- Please forward this email to all staff members.
- The post office will forward your mail to your new address.
- I forwarded the invitation to my colleague.
- Could you forward me the meeting notes?
- They forwarded the complaint to the manager.
Learner examples
- I will forward this email to you.
- Please forward the letter to my new home.
- Can you forward my message to her?
- The office will forward your mail.
- He will forward the file to me.
adjective
B1
relation
3
Toward the front position
Near the front or ahead of others.
Synonyms
front (Describes the very front position; 'forward' can be slightly less absolute.)
Antonyms
rear (Located at the back instead of the front.)
Collocations
forward position
|forward area
|forward thinking
Themes
movement
|position
|space
|time
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The forward section of the plane is reserved for business class.
- He plays in a forward position on the team.
- The troops advanced to a forward base.
- She has very forward ideas about education.
Learner examples
- The forward seats cost more money.
- He sits in the forward part of the bus.
- Our team moved to a forward place on the field.
- I like the forward room in the plane.
Noun
A2
entity
4
Attacking player in sports
A player who plays near the other team's goal and tries to score points.
Synonyms
striker ('Striker' is more specific to soccer and goal-scoring roles.)
Antonyms
defender (A player whose main role is to stop the other team from scoring.)
Collocations
play as a forward
|star forward
|center forward
Themes
sports
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The team's star forward scored two goals.
- He was moved from midfielder to forward.
- Their forwards are known for their speed and skill.
Learner examples
- The forward scored a goal.
- My brother plays as a forward.
- The team has three forwards.
- A good forward runs fast.
adjective
B2
property
5
Overly bold in behavior
Saying or doing things too openly or boldly, which may seem rude.
Synonyms
presumptuous ('Presumptuous' is more formal and implies overstepping social boundaries.)
Antonyms
reserved (Shy or not showing feelings openly.)
Collocations
a bit forward
|too forward
Themes
personality
|relationships
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- He was too forward when he asked her personal questions right away.
- She found his comments rather forward for a first meeting.
- Don't be so forward; give people some space.
Learner examples
- He was too forward with her.
- She thinks he is very forward.
- It is not polite to be forward with strangers.
Grammar
Dictionary form
forward
IPA
GB/fˈɔɹwɚd/
US/fˈɔɹwɚd/
Syllables & stress
for - ward (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (for)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: forward
Noun
- Base: forward
- Plural: forwards
Verb
- Base: forward
- 3rd Person Singular: forwards
- Present Participle: forwarding
- Past: forwarded
Word family
Forms
forwards
noun
forwarding
verb
forwarded
verb
Negative and opposite forms
backward
adverb A2
Expressions
bring forward
1/bɹˈɪŋ fˈɔɹwɚd/
phrasal verb
Move earlier or propose idea
To make something happen sooner than planned, or to introduce an idea for discussion.
Examples
- They brought the meeting forward by two days.
- She brought forward a new proposal for the project.
push forward
1/pˈʊʃ fˈɔɹwɚd/
phrasal verb
Continue despite obstacles
To keep trying and making progress even when it is hard.
Examples
- Despite setbacks, they pushed forward with their plans.
- We must push forward if we want to finish on time.
put your best foot forward
1/pˈʊt jˈʊɹ bˈɛst fˈʊt fˈɔɹwɚd/
idiom
Make your best effort
To try your best in order to make a good impression or succeed.
Examples
- You should put your best foot forward during the interview.
- She always puts her best foot forward when meeting new people.
step forward
1/stˈɛp fˈɔɹwɚd/
fixed phrase
Move ahead or offer oneself
To move one step ahead, or to offer to do something.
Examples
- He stepped forward and introduced himself.
- No one stepped forward to take responsibility.
look forward to
1/lˈʊk fˈɔɹwɚd tə/
phrasal verb
Anticipate with pleasure
To feel happy because you know something good will happen soon.
Examples
- I look forward to meeting you next week.
- She looks forward to her vacation every year.
look forward to
2/lˈʊk fˈɔɹwɚd tə/
phrasal verb
await with pleasure/excitement
To feel happy because you know something good is going to happen soon.
Examples
- I’m really looking forward to our vacation.
- They are looking forward to meeting their new teacher.