towards

UK: təˈwɔːdz | US: tɔːrdz

Definition

  1. prep. in the direction of

  2. prep. in relation to

  3. prep. near in time or progress

Structure
to <direction>ward <direction>s <adverbial suffix>
Etymology

The word "towards" originates from Old English tōweard, combining tō (meaning "to") and -weard (a suffix denoting direction, akin to "forward" or "backward"). The modern form added an adverbial "-s" by analogy with other directional words (e.g., "always"). The core logic is directional movement or orientation, preserved in its modern usage.

Examples

  1. She walked towards the park.

  2. His attitude towards work is very positive.

  3. The project is moving towards completion.

  4. The ship sailed towards the horizon.

  5. They showed kindness towards strangers.