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toward

Toward is defined as the direction of, in the position of or in relation to.

(preposition)

An example of toward used as a preposition is in the sentence, "Move toward the door," which means to move near the door.

See toward in Webster's New World College Dictionary

in the direction of
so as to face; facing
in a manner designed to achieve or along a course likely to result in; in order to get or further: steps toward peace
concerning; regarding; about: a negative attitude toward abstract art
close to or just before (in time): toward daybreak
so as to help pay for: to contribute toward a new library

Origin: ME < OE toweard: see to & -ward

adjective

favorable; propitious
ready to learn; promising
docile; compliant
at hand; imminent
being done; in progress: used predicatively

See toward in American Heritage Dictionary 4

preposition also to·wards (tôrdz, tōrdz, tə-wôrdzˈ)

In the direction of: driving toward home.
In a position facing: had his back toward me.
Somewhat before in time: It began to rain toward morning.
With regard to; in relation to: an optimistic attitude toward the future.
In furtherance or partial fulfillment of: contributed five dollars toward the bill.
By way of achieving; with a view to: efforts toward peace.

adjective (tôrd, tōrd)

Favoring success or a good outcome; propitious.
often towards Happening soon; imminent.
Obsolete Being quick to understand or learn.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English

Origin: , from Old English tōweard

Origin: : tō, to; see to

Origin: + -weard, -ward

Usage Note: Some critics have tried to discern a semantic distinction between toward and towards, but the difference is entirely dialectal. Toward is more common in American English; towards is the predominant form in British English.

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