Toward: Definition, Usage, and Common Mistakes

Meaning 1：in the direction of (toward)

toward 🔊

/təˈwɔːrd/

prep.

Moving or facing in the direction of something.

Person walking toward a village signpost on a hiking trail

in the direction of 🔊

➕

/ɪn ðə dɪˈrɛkʃən ʌv/

prep.

Indicates movement or orientation aiming at a specific target or place.

📁 Category：Transportation & Travel 🔖 Level：beginner

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Old English 'tōweard', combining 'tō' (to) and '-weard' (ward, direction).

💡 Mnemonic

Think 'to + ward' = moving 'to' a 'ward' (area) – you're heading toward a destination.

📖 Example

The compass needle always points toward the north, guiding travelers on their journey. 🔊 The compass needle always points toward the north, guiding travelers on their journey.

🔗 Collocations

move toward – to go in the direction of

head toward – to start moving in the direction of

step toward – to take a step in the direction of

🔄 Synonyms

towards (prep.) – Same meaning, more common in British English.

in the direction of (phrase) – Explicitly states orientation.

on the way to (phrase) – Implies movement along a route.

🚫 Antonyms

away from (prep.) – Indicates movement opposite to a target.

backward from (phrase) – Moving in reverse direction.

opposite to (phrase) – Facing the other way.

🌱 Derivatives

towards (prep.) – Alternate spelling of toward.

untoward (adj.) – Unexpected and inappropriate or unfavorable.

forward (adv./adj.) – Toward the front.

📖 Cultural Story

The suffix '-ward' appears in many English directional words (e.g., 'forward', 'backward'). 'Toward' has been used since the 9th century to indicate physical or metaphorical direction, surviving through Middle English.