TOWARD Meaning and
Definition
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Toward is a preposition that refers to the direction or aim of something. It indicates movement, orientation, or a tendency towards a particular destination, goal, or objective. It can also convey an approach or favorable relationship with regards to something or someone.
In terms of direction, toward denotes movement or positioning in the direction of an object or location. For instance, "He walked toward the park," indicates that the subject moved in the direction of the park. Similarly, "The ship is heading toward the north," implies that the ship is moving in a northerly direction.
Regarding objectives or goals, toward indicates a focus or aim in achieving or approaching something. For example, "She is working toward her dream of becoming a doctor," implies that she is taking steps or making progress in pursuing her aspiration. This usage can also suggest a sense of anticipation, as in "We are heading toward the weekend," indicating looking forward to or nearing the end of the week.
Additionally, toward can express a positive inclination or favorable disposition. It signifies a supportive stance or an alignment with a particular cause or belief. For instance, "He showed great compassion toward the homeless," implies a sympathetic attitude or helpfulness. Similarly, "She is loving and caring toward her family," indicates a positive and affectionate approach in her interactions with family members.
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In the direction of; with a tendency to; with respect to; regarding.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for TOWARD *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for TOWARD
Etymology of TOWARD
The word toward originated from the Middle English word toward(e) which was derived from the Old English tóweard. This Old English word is a combination of tó, meaning to, and weard, meaning in the direction of or facing. Therefore, toward essentially means in the direction of or in a forward motion.
Idioms with the word TOWARD
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turn toward
The idiom "turn toward" can be defined as the act of altering one's direction or focus to face or acknowledge something, often involving a change in attitude, approach, or attention.
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work toward
To "work toward" means to make efforts or take actions in the direction of achieving a specific goal or objective. It implies a continuous and deliberate effort to progress or move closer to a desired outcome.
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trend toward
The idiom "trend toward" means the tendency or movement in a particular direction, generally indicating the increasing popularity, acceptance, or adoption of something over time. It signifies a shift or change that is gradually taking place.
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put toward
The idiom "put toward" means to allocate or contribute money, effort, or resources towards a particular goal or purpose. It implies setting aside or using something for a specific intention or use.
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trend toward sth
The idiom "trend toward sth" refers to a shift or movement in society or a particular field toward a certain direction or tendency. It implies a gradual change or development that is leading or moving in a specific way.
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lean toward doing
The idiom "lean toward doing" means to have a tendency or inclination to do something. It implies a slight preference or inclination towards a particular course of action or choice.
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tend toward sth
The idiom "tend toward sth" is used to describe a tendency or inclination of someone or something to move or develop in a certain direction or towards a particular outcome or behavior. It implies a natural inclination or predisposition towards a specific course of action, preference, or characteristic.
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drift toward sm or sth
The idiom "drift toward someone or something" means to gradually move or be carried in a particular direction or towards a specific person or thing, often without any specific intention or effort. It implies a subtle and gradual movement, similar to drifting with the current of a river or the wind.
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go a long way toward doing
The idiom "go a long way toward doing" means to make a significant or substantial progress in achieving a particular goal or outcome. It implies that by doing a certain action or taking a specific step, one can greatly contribute towards the success or improvement of a situation or task.
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steer toward sm or sth
The idiom "steer toward someone or something" means to move or direct oneself or something in a specific direction, typically with the intention of aligning with or approaching a particular person, thing, or objective. It implies making a deliberate effort to focus, navigate, or aim towards a specific target.
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gear toward
The idiom "gear toward" typically means to direct or focus efforts, actions, or developments specifically for a particular purpose, audience, or goal. It suggests adapting or adjusting something to meet the needs or requirements of a specific target or objective.
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put sth toward sth
The idiom "put something toward something" means to contribute or provide some amount of money or effort to help achieve or cover the cost of a specific goal, task, or expense. It implies making a partial payment or contribution to support or aid in the completion of something.
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angle off (to or toward sth)
The idiom "angle off (to or toward sth)" refers to changing one's direction or perspective in order to approach or address something in a specific way. It implies altering one's approach or viewpoint in order to achieve a desired outcome or navigate a particular situation.
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slope (down) toward sth
The idiom "slope (down) toward sth" refers to the gradual decline or decrease in something, usually in a downward or negative direction. It implies a figurative slope or decline towards a particular outcome, condition, or state.
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steer toward
The idiom "steer toward" means to direct or guide someone or something in a particular direction, usually toward a goal, objective, or outcome. It can also refer to making choices or decisions that lead to a desired or preferred result.
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point toward
The idiom "point toward" means to indicate or suggest something. It implies that something is a sign or indication of a particular outcome, direction, or conclusion.
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lean toward
The idiom "lean toward" means to have a preference or inclination to a particular choice or opinion. It suggests a tendency or inclination towards something without necessarily fully committing to it.
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slant toward sm or sth
The idiom "slant toward someone or something" typically means to have a bias or inclination towards a particular person or thing, often indicating a leaning or preference. It suggests a tendency to favor or support someone or something over others.
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reach toward
The idiom "reach toward" typically means making an effort or striving to achieve something, usually a goal or desired outcome. It suggests taking action, extending oneself, and putting in the necessary work or dedication to attain a specific objective.
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head toward
The idiom "head toward" means to move or direct oneself toward a specific destination or goal. It signifies a purposeful movement or action in the direction of a desired outcome.
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draw (someone or something) toward (someone or something)
The idiom "draw (someone or something) toward (someone or something)" means to attract or pull someone or something closer to a person or thing in a physical or metaphorical sense. It implies exerting a compelling force or influence that brings about a stronger connection or proximity between two entities.
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move toward
The idiom "move toward" means to physically or figuratively progress or advance in a particular direction or goal. It suggests making progress or taking steps closer to achieving something.
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angle off (to or toward something)
The idiom "angle off (to or toward something)" refers to changing direction or course gradually, usually in order to approach or move closer to a specified object, goal, or destination. It implies a deliberate and calculated shift in path or trajectory.
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slant toward
The idiom "slant toward" means to have a leaning or preference towards something. It implies a biased inclination or tendency towards a particular choice, opinion, or course of action.
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move toward sm or sth
The idiom "move toward someone or something" refers to the act of physically or figuratively advancing, progressing, or making a transition in the direction of a person, place, or goal. It signifies taking steps or actions to approach or reach a desired outcome or objective.
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progress toward
The idiom "progress toward" refers to making continuous or steady advancements or improvements in achieving a particular goal or objective. It implies the act of moving closer to the desired outcome over time, showing forward momentum and development.
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veer toward
The idiom "veer toward" refers to the act of moving or shifting perceptibly in a particular direction or inclination, often indicating a tendency or inclination towards something. It implies a change of course or deviation from the current path with a clear tendency towards a specific direction or outcome.
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incline toward
The idiom "incline toward" means to have a preference or tendency towards something or someone. It indicates a leaning or inclination towards a particular choice, opinion, or behavior.
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veer toward sm or sth
The idiom "veer toward someone or something" means to change direction or shift course, typically referring to an action, decision, or intent. It indicates a movement or inclination towards a particular person, thing, or idea.
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slope toward
The idiom "slope toward" refers to the gradual lean or inclination towards a particular direction, opinion, or tendency. It implies a slow, subtle, and gradual shift in attitude, preference, or inclination over time.
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progress toward sth
The idiom "progress toward something" means the advancement or movement made in the direction of achieving a particular goal, objective, or target. It implies the development or improvement in a specific area or the forward motion in a process or journey.
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work toward sth
The idiom "work toward something" means making consistent and concerted efforts to achieve or progress in a particular goal, objective, or desired outcome. It implies actively taking steps, both small and large, in a deliberate manner to move closer to the desired result. It involves dedication, persistence, and directionality in one's actions or endeavors.
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lean toward someone or something
The idiom "lean toward someone or something" means to have a tendency or inclination to favor or support a particular person, idea, or course of action. It implies showing a preference or being more inclined towards a specific option over others.
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getting on toward
The idiom "getting on toward" typically means approaching or making progress toward a particular point in time, age, or stage. It implies the act of advancing or moving closer to a specific objective or timeframe.
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go a long way toward
The idiom "go a long way toward" means to have a significant positive impact or contribute significantly to accomplishing something. It implies that a particular action or factor can greatly help in achieving a desired outcome or improving a situation.
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head toward someone or something
The idiom "head toward someone or something" means to move or go in the direction of a particular person or thing. It implies the act of moving forward with intention or purpose, typically to reach a specific destination or to engage with someone.
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tend toward
The idiom "tend toward" means to have a tendency, inclination, or tendency to lean or move in a certain direction or exhibit certain qualities.
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drift toward
The idiom "drift toward" generally refers to a gradual, unintended movement or progression in a particular direction or course. It implies a lack of intentional decision-making or clear purpose, as if being carried by external forces or circumstances.
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go toward sm or sth
The idiom "go toward someone or something" means to contribute or be applied towards a particular person or thing, typically in terms of effort, resources, or support. It implies providing assistance, making a positive impact, or helping to achieve a particular goal or outcome.
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advance toward
The idiom "advance toward" means to move closer or progress gradually or steadily towards something or someone, typically with the intention of reaching a desired destination or achieving a specific goal or objective. It implies a purposeful movement forward and can be applied in various contexts, including physical movement, personal growth, or professional development.
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tilt toward sm or sth
The idiom "tilt toward someone or something" means to have a slight preference or inclination towards someone or something. It suggests a slight leaning or bias in favor of a particular person, idea, or thing.
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push toward
The idiom "push toward" means to make progress or move forward in achieving a goal or objective. It refers to the act of exerting effort, determination, or influence to drive oneself or others closer to the desired outcome.
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go a long way toward (something)
The idiom "go a long way toward (something)" means to make significant progress or have a significant impact on achieving a particular goal or outcome. It implies that the action or effort being made will contribute substantially to reaching the desired result.
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strive toward
The idiom "strive toward" means to make a concerted effort or exert oneself in order to achieve a particular goal. It implies actively working towards something, putting in effort, dedication, and perseverance in order to reach a desired outcome.
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incline toward someone or something
The idiom "incline toward someone or something" means to have a natural tendency or preference towards someone or something, often with a slight leaning or inclination in their favor. It implies being more favorable, inclined, or attracted to a particular person or thing compared to others.
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pull toward oneself
The idiom "pull toward oneself" refers to physically or metaphorically exerting force or influence to bring something closer or under one's control or ownership.
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look toward
The idiom "look toward" means to have a positive outlook or attitude towards something, to anticipate or expect something, or to consider something as a potential goal or objective.
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lean toward doing something
The idiom "lean toward doing something" means to have a tendency or inclination towards a particular course of action or decision. It implies that someone is more likely to choose or favor a specific option over others.
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tilt toward
The idiom "tilt toward" means to show a preference or inclination towards something or someone. It implies a leaning or inclination in favor of a particular option or choice.
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lean toward sm or sth
The idiom "lean toward someone or something" means to have a slight preference or inclination towards a particular person, option, idea, or decision. It implies being more prone to choose or support a specific option or viewpoint, although not fully committed or convinced.
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head toward sm or sth
The idiom "head toward someone or something" means to move or proceed in the direction of a particular person or thing. It implies the act of aiming or moving towards a specific target or destination.
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incline toward sm or sth
The idiom "incline toward someone or something" means to have a tendency or preference towards someone or something. It implies a leaning or inclination, indicating a favorable inclination or inclination towards a particular person, idea, or thing.
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slant sth toward sm or sth
The idiom "slant something toward someone or something" means to incline or bias something in favor of a particular person, group, or idea. It suggests influencing or presenting information with a partial or skewed perspective to favor a specific person or thing.
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save toward
The idiom "save toward" means to save money over a period of time for a specific purpose or goal. It refers to setting aside funds gradually to accumulate enough for a particular expense or objective.
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lean toward doing sth
The idiom "lean toward doing something" is typically used to convey an inclination or preference towards a particular action or decision. It suggests that one is more inclined to choose or opt for a specific course of action compared to alternative options.
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go toward someone or something
The idiom "go toward someone or something" typically means to approach or move in the direction of a person or thing. It implies making an effort to reach or engage with that person or thing.
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steer sth toward sm or sth
The idiom "steer something toward someone or something" means to direct or guide something in a particular direction to achieve a specific outcome or result. It can refer to influencing or guiding a situation, conversation, or decision-making process towards a desired person, idea, or outcome.
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strive toward sth
The idiom "strive toward sth" means to make a determined effort, work hard, or endeavor with dedication and perseverance to achieve a particular goal, aspiration, or desired outcome.
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swim toward sm or sth
The idiom "swim toward someone or something" means to make a conscious effort to approach or reach a particular person or goal despite challenges or obstacles. It often implies determination, perseverance, and a focused approach towards achieving a desired outcome.
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fall away toward
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fall toward
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swim toward
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go toward
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