— towardness , n.
prep. /tawrd, tohrd, teuh wawrd", twawrd, twohrd/ ; adj. /tawrd, tohrd/ , prep. Also, towards .
1. in the direction of: to walk toward the river.
2. with a view to obtaining or having; for: They're saving money toward a new house.
3. in the area or vicinity of; near: Our cabin is toward the top of the hill.
4. turned to; facing: Her back was toward me.
5. shortly before; close to: toward midnight.
6. as a help or contribution to: to give money toward a person's expenses.
7. with respect to; as regards: his attitude toward women.
adj.
8. about to come soon; imminent.
9. going on; in progress; afoot: There is work toward.
10. propitious; favorable.
11. Obs.
a. promising or apt, as a student.
b. compliant; docile.
[ bef. 900; ME; OE toweard. See TO, -WARD ]