towards

English Online Dictionary. What means towards‎? What does towards mean?

English

Etymology

From Middle English towardes, from Old English tōweardes, tōwærdes, equivalent to toward +‎ -s (adverbial suffix).

Pronunciation

• (Received Pronunciation) IPA^(key): /təˈwɔːdz/, [tʰə̥ˈwɔːdz]

  (traditional) IPA^(key): /ˈtɔːdz/

• (General American) IPA^(key): /tʊˈwɔɹdz/, /ˈtɔɹdz/, /ˈtoʊɚdz/, [tʰə̥ˈwɔɹ̠d̠z], [tʰw̥ɔɹ̠d̠z]
• (New Zealand) IPA^(key): /tɘˈwoːdz/, [tʰɘ̥ˈwoːdz], [tʰw̥oːdz]
• Rhymes: -ɔː(ɹ)dz, -oːdz
• Hyphenation: to‧wards

Preposition

towards

1. Alternative form of toward

   Synonym: toward

   Antonyms: fromward, fromwards

Usage notes

• Although some have tried to discern a semantic distinction between the words toward and towards, the only difference in practice is dialectal. Toward is more common in American English and towards is more common in British English, though each form may be found in both varieties.

Derived terms

Translations

See also

• See Adverbial genitive

Adverb

towards (not comparable)

1. In the direction of something (indicated by context).

Adjective

towards (not comparable)

1. Near; at hand; in state of preparation; toward.

Middle English

Preposition

towards

1. Alternative form of towardes