adj., n., adv., & v.
--adj.
1. lying in one's line of motion.
2 a onward or towards the front. b Naut. belonging to the fore part of a ship.
3 precocious; bold in manner; presumptuous.
4 Commerce relating to future produce, delivery, etc. (forward contract).
5 a advanced; progressing towards or approaching maturity or completion. b (of a plant etc.) well advanced or early.
--n. an attacking player positioned near the front of a team in football, hockey, etc.
--adv.
1. to the front; into prominence (come forward; move forward).
2 in advance; ahead (sent them forward).
3 onward so as to make progress (not getting any further forward).
4 towards the future; continuously onwards (from this time forward).
5 (also forwards) a towards the front in the direction one is facing. b in the normal direction of motion or of traversal. c with continuous forward motion (backwards and forwards; rushing forward).
6 Naut. & Aeron. in, near, or towards the bow or nose.
--v.tr.
1. a send (a letter etc.) on to a further destination. b dispatch (goods etc.) (forwarding agent).
2 help to advance; promote.
Phrases and idioms:
forward-looking progressive; favouring change.
Derivatives:
forwarder n. forwardly adv. forwardness n. (esp. in sense 3 of adj.).
Etymology: OE forweard, var. of forthweard (as FORTH, -WARD)