# forward

/ˈfɔɹwɝd/ (US) · /fˈɔːwəd/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/forward
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. toward the front

adverb · CEFR A2

toward the front or in the direction you are moving.

For teachers: in a direction toward the front or toward a destination.

- She took a step forward to get a better look at the painting.
- The explorers pushed forward through the dense undergrowth, determined to reach the summit before the light failed.

### 2. into the future

adverb · CEFR B1

toward a time in the future.

For teachers: relating to or moving toward a future point in time.

- From this day forward, we will work together as a team.
- Looking forward, the company must decide whether to invest in renewable energy or maintain its current infrastructure.

### 3. at the front

adjective · CEFR B1

located at or near the front of something.

For teachers: situated at or directed toward the front.

- The forward cabin of the plane is usually quieter than the back.
- The forward observation deck offers a panoramic view of the coastline as the ship enters the harbor.

### 4. bold or rude

adjective · CEFR C1 · Informal

behaving in a way that is too confident or lacks respect.

For teachers: presumptuous, bold, or lacking in customary restraint.

- I hope it's not too forward of me to ask for your phone number.
- His forward manner during the interview was interpreted by the panel as arrogance rather than confidence.

### 5. to resend a message

verb · CEFR B1

to send a letter or email you received to another person.

For teachers: to redirect a received communication to a third party.

- Could you forward that email to me so I can read the attachment?
- The secretary was instructed to forward all relevant correspondence to the legal department for further review.

### 6. to help progress

verb · CEFR C1 · Formal

to help something progress or develop.

For teachers: to promote the interests or progress of a cause or project.

- The new law is intended to forward the cause of environmental protection.
- The diplomat worked tirelessly to forward the peace process despite significant opposition from both sides.

### 7. attacking player

noun · CEFR B1

a player in sports like football or basketball who plays near the front to score.

For teachers: an attacking player positioned near the opponent's goal or basket.

- The team's star forward scored three goals in the final match.
- The coach decided to substitute the forward for a more defensive player to protect their narrow lead in the closing minutes.

### 8. financial contract

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

an agreement to buy or sell something at a fixed price in the future.

For teachers: a non-standardized contract between two parties to buy or sell an asset at a specified future time at a price agreed upon today.

- The company used a forward to lock in the price of oil for next year.
- Unlike futures, a forward is traded over-the-counter and carries a higher degree of counterparty risk for the involved institutions.

## Examples

- I will forward the email to you right away.
- Please forward the signed contract to the legal department so they can finalize the agreement.
- The administrative assistant was instructed to forward all urgent correspondence to the director's private residence while she was recovering from surgery.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.