TOWARD meaning and definition

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Toward: A Directional Adverb with Multiple Meanings

In the English language, there are many words that can be used to indicate direction or movement. One such word is "toward," which can be both a preposition and an adverb. In this article, we'll delve into what "toward" means and explore its various uses.

Prepositional Meaning

At its core, "toward" is a preposition that indicates movement or direction towards something. When used as a preposition, "toward" typically follows the word it modifies, as in:

The ball was thrown toward the goal.
The company is moving toward a more sustainable future.

In these examples, "toward" shows that the action (throwing the ball, moving the company) is directed towards a specific point or destination. This prepositional sense of "toward" implies movement or progression in a particular direction.

Adverbial Meaning

When used as an adverb, "toward" modifies a verb, indicating that the action is performed in the direction specified. For example:

The team played toward a win.
She's working toward earning her degree.

In these examples, "toward" indicates that the action (playing, working) is being done with the goal of achieving something specific. This adverbial sense of "toward" implies a sense of striving or endeavoring towards a particular outcome.

Other Meanings

While the primary meanings of "toward" are related to direction and movement, there are some additional connotations to be aware of:

Approach: When used with a noun, "toward" can imply an approach or proximity. For example: "The hospital is toward the town center."
Similarity: In some cases, "toward" can suggest similarity or approximation. For instance: "Her writing style was toward that of a famous author."

Conclusion

In summary, "toward" is a versatile word with multiple meanings depending on its usage. As a preposition, it indicates movement or direction towards something specific. As an adverb, it modifies verbs to indicate striving or endeavoring towards a particular outcome. Additionally, there are subtle connotations of approach and similarity that can be exploited in various contexts. Understanding the nuances of "toward" can help writers, speakers, and communicators convey their intended meaning with greater precision and effectiveness.

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