The phrase "working toward" is often spelled with the "toward" component, rather than "towards" in American English. This spelling difference can be explained through IPA phonetic transcription. In American English, the final consonant cluster in "toward" is pronounced as /d/ due to the process of intervocalic voicing. This contrasts with the final consonant in "towards," which is pronounced as /z/. Therefore, spelling "working toward" reflects the pronunciation of the word with a voiced final consonant.
Working toward refers to the process of making continuous efforts or taking actions in order to achieve or reach a particular goal, objective, or desired outcome. It involves actively engaging in a series of tasks or activities that contribute to the overall progress or advancement of a specific purpose.
When one is working toward something, they are demonstrating commitment, dedication, and determination to make progress or accomplish a certain target. This may include setting measurable goals, creating a strategic plan, and adopting proactive strategies to stay on track and overcome obstacles.
The concept of working toward often implies a progressive movement or advancement, indicating that it is not a one-time event but an ongoing endeavor that evolves over time. It suggests a forward trajectory, signifying the act of actively striving to improve oneself, a situation, or a condition.
Working toward can be applied to various areas of life, such as personal development, career aspirations, educational goals, health and fitness objectives, or community contributions. It emphasizes the importance of perseverance, focus, and action to actively pursue one's ambitions and aspirations.
In summary, working toward involves the continuous effort, action, and commitment directed towards achieving a particular goal, implying steady progress and ongoing engagement. It embodies the notion of persistence, determination, and dedication to making tangible strides toward the desired outcome.
The etymology of the phrase "working toward" can be understood by breaking it down into its constituent parts:
1. Working: The word "working" is the present participle form of the verb "work", which originated from the Old English word "weorc". The Old English term can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "werkan", and its origins can be ultimately attributed to the Proto-Indo-European root "werg-", meaning "to do" or "to make".
2. Toward: The word "toward" is a preposition that indicates direction or movement in the direction of something. It came from the Old English word "toweard", which meant "in the direction of".