# forwards

/ˈfɔɹwɝdz/ (US) · /fˈɔːwədz/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/forwards
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. toward the front

adverb · CEFR A2 · British English

toward the direction that is in front of you.

For teachers: toward a destination or in a direction that is in front of the subject. Often used interchangeably with 'forward', though 'forwards' is more common in British English.

- The crowd moved forwards to get a better view of the stage.
- He leaned forwards to catch the whispered instructions, careful not to disrupt the silence of the library.

Usage: Commonly used with verbs of motion like 'move', 'lean', or 'step'.

### 2. toward the future

adverb · CEFR B1

moving toward a later time or making progress.

For teachers: moving toward the future or a state of further development.

- We need to look forwards and plan for the next year.
- The company is looking forwards to a period of sustained growth following the successful merger.

Usage: Often used in the phrase 'looking forwards to' or to describe chronological progress.

### 3. attacking players

noun · CEFR B1

the players in a team who are responsible for attacking and scoring goals.

For teachers: the attacking players in a team game, such as football, rugby, or hockey, whose primary role is to score.

- The team has two very fast forwards who score most of the goals.
- The coach decided to substitute one of the forwards to strengthen the midfield defense during the final ten minutes of the match.

## Examples

- She took a step forwards to see the painting better.
- The car rolled slowly forwards after the driver forgot to pull the handbrake.
- The committee decided that the only way to move the project forwards was to secure additional funding from private investors before the end of the fiscal year.

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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.