towardsprep.adv.

/ˈtəʊədz/

/ˈtɔːədz/

/tɔːdz/

/təˈwɔːdz/

Forms: Old English toweardes, Old English, 1500s to wardes, Middle English–1600s towardes, (Middle English -is, -ys, tawardes, 1500s towerdys, Scottish towartis, 1600s towardst), Middle English– towards, (1600s–1700s tow'rds).

Etymology: Old English tóweardes , < tóweard, toward adj., with -es , -s of adverbial genitive: see -wards suffix. (As to varieties of pronunciation see toward prep.)

A. prep.

a. Of motion, etc.: In the direction of, on the way to: = toward prep. 1.

ΘΚΠ

the world > space > direction > in the direction of [preposition]

tilla800

towardsc888

toc890

towardc893

to-gainsc950

anenta1225

i-gainc1325

ata1400

gaina1400

tilwarda1400

gainwarda1542

the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > movement towards a thing, person, or position > towards [preposition]

towardsc888

toc893

towardc893

againeOE

to-gainsc950

againstc1300

anenta1425

c888 Ælfred tr. Boethius De Consol. Philos. xxxix. §1 Hwy ne magon ge gebidan gecyndelices deaðes, nu he eow ælce dæg toweardes onet?

c1122 Anglo-Saxon Chron. ann. 1094 Se eorl innon Normandig..mid þam cynge of France..ferdon to wardes Ou þær se cyng Willelm inne wæs.

c1275 (?a1200) Laȝamon Brut (Calig.) (1963) l. 259 Brutus iherde seggen..þat Pandrasus þe king him towardes com. mid muchelere ferde.

1442 T. Beckington Corr. (Rolls) II. 190 Maister John de Batute departed hens on Saturday at noon towards his cuntrey.

1538 in R. G. Marsden Sel. Pleas Court Admiralty (1894) I. 73 They made saile towards their owne countrey.

1552 R. Huloet Abcedarium Anglico Latinum Towardes and toward... Yet marke the maner of phrase as you dyd in amonge & amongest.

1766 O. Goldsmith Vicar of Wakefield I. x. 96 The procession marching slowly forward towards the church.

1816 J. Wilson City of Plague i. i Every step I take Towards the city.

1860 J. Tyndall Glaciers of Alps i. viii. 59 I turned towards home.

†b. predicative after to be: On the way to: = toward prep. 1b. Obsolete.

ΚΠ

a1616 W. Shakespeare All's Well that ends Well (1623) iii. ii. 68 Towards Florence is he?

†c. To (with implication of reaching): = toward prep. 1c. Obsolete.

ΚΠ

1467 Coventry Leet Bk. 335 Also þat [they] sufficiently amende þe fotewey towardes Crab-tre-feld.

1585 T. Washington tr. N. de Nicolay Nauigations Turkie i. xxii. 29 Too dispatche and sende away the knight..towardes the court, too aduertise the king.

1613 T. Milles tr. P. Mexia et al. Treasurie Auncient & Moderne Times 698/1 Pope Innocent..sent verie Learned and Religious men towards Baty.

a1616 W. Shakespeare Winter's Tale (1623) iv. iii. 112 I will..pace softly towards my Kinsmans.

a. Of position: In the direction of; on the side next to; directed to, facing: = toward prep. 2.

ΚΠ

1423 Kingis Quair civ Benignely sche turnyt has hir face Towardis me.

1503 in Lett. Richard III & Henry VII (1861) I. 202 The said bishop as he stode..towardes the quere.

a1555 J. Bradford in J. Strype Eccl. Memorials (1721) III. App. xlv. 129 To make all our Haven-Townes mor stronger towardes the Land, than they be towardes the Sea.

1611 Bible (King James) Psalms xxv. 15 Mine eyes are euer towards the Lord.

1662 J. Davies tr. A. Olearius Voy. & Trav. Ambassadors 58 Canon, with the mouths towards that street.

1712 J. Swift Proposal for Eng. Tongue 16 The Northern Parts, lying towards the Euxine.

1726 G. Leoni tr. L. B. Alberti Architecture I. 99/2 Hills towards the North..encrease the heat.

1851 A. Helps Compan. Solitude vi. 85 I sat upon a garden seat in a sheltered nook towards the south.

†b. Beside, near; in attendance on, about; in the possession of; with: = toward prep. 2b. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the world > space > distance > nearness > near to [preposition]

nighOE

anentOE

atOE

yhendeOE

anewstc1275

nigh handa1300

neara1325

narc1325

againstc1384

nearhanda1400

towardc1400

towards?1447

nearhand?c1450

nearbyc1485

anear1532

anigh1583

under or in the shadow of1853

the world > relative properties > relationship > accompaniment > accompany [preposition] > to the accompaniment of

anentOE

towardc1400

towards?1447

along with?1566

?1447 Lett. Marg. Anjou & Bp. Beckington (Camden) 94 We..praye yow hertely, that..ye wil have oure said secretary towards yow.

1459 Rolls of Parl. V. 367 Persones of grete myght, havyng towardes theym of their lyverey..such multitude of Robbers, Rioters, and myschevous persones.

1614–15 Archdeaconry of Essex Minutes lf. 103 b (MS.) The prince his landresse and a man towards the prince were by the harbenger placed to lodge in his house.

1669 G. Miege Relation of Three Embassies 371 He had chosen his Excellence the Earle of Carlisle..for his Ambassador Extraordinary towards him.

3. In the direction of (figurative).

a. gen. = toward prep. 3a.

ΚΠ

1634 T. Herbert Relation Some Yeares Trauaile 49 Their beauties are..such as preuaile in my iudgement, towards chastitie, more then Ouids Remedy of Loue.

1692 E. Walker tr. Epictetus Enchiridion lxxi He that labours on Towards Perfection.

1763 J. Brown Diss. Poetry & Music xiv. 241 In all polished States, these Arts have a natural Tendency towards Corruption.

1849 T. B. Macaulay Hist. Eng. I. ii. 231 The king was suspected by many of a leaning towards Rome.

1871 R. H. Hutton Ess. (1888) v. 118 The absolute will towards right.

b. Introducing the object of action or feeling: = toward prep. 3b.

ΚΠ

1390 J. Gower Confessio Amantis II. 32 I mai wel..Excuse me of necgligence Towardes love in alle wise.

1483 in J. Gairdner Lett. Reigns of Richard III & Henry VII (1861) I. 48 Good will towardes hir housband.

c1495 in Lett. Rich. III & Hen. VII (Rolls) II. 57 To ordre that matier towardis hym as he shalbe right well contented.

1536 Cal. Anc. Rec. Dublin (1889) I. 498 Thankes off hys grett goodnes towerdys me.

1536 in T. Wright Three Chapters Lett. Suppression Monasteries (1843) 99 How I shal use me self towardes thaim.

1596 E. Spenser Second Pt. Faerie Queene vi. ii. sig. Aa4 To blame him for such cruelty Towards a Ladie.

1682 J. Norris tr. Hierocles Golden Verses 32 Friendship ought to be exercised towards all, but especially toward good men.

1713 R. Steele in Guardian 14 Mar. 2/1 A sense of Piety towards Heaven.

1827 J. Bentham Rationale Judicial Evid. IV. viii. iii. 53 He has as good a pretence and (as towards the public) a justification, as heart can wish.

1885 Manch. Examiner 10 July 5/2 The sentiments of the Thibetans towards us.

†c. In favour of; favourable to: = for prep. 7. Obsolete. rare.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > attention and judgement > esteem > favour > [preposition] > favourable to

towards1472

1472 J. Arblaster in Paston Lett. & Papers (2004) I. 580 To haue thys perlement as for on of the burgeys of the towne of Maldon syche a man of worchep and of wytt as wer towardys my seyd lady.

1477 M. Paston in Paston Lett. & Papers (2004) I. 663 And [= if] ȝe com and fynde þe mater no more toward [you] þen ȝe dyd afortyme.

d. Compared to, in comparison with: = to prep. 18, toward prep. 3d. Now dialect.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > attention and judgement > discovery > comparison > marking comparison [preposition]

withc888

toc1000

againsta1225

atweenc1400

toward1527

towards?1555

vis-à-vis1755

?1555 M. Coverdale tr. O. Werdmueller Treat. Death i. xxv. 93 In comparison whereof.. myrthe and chere vpon earthe is scace to bee estemed, as castynge counters, towardes the fyneste coynes of golde.

1685 Mr. Travestin Acct. Proc. against Turks 27 They fought with such desperation and courage towards what they had done before.

1887 T. Darlington Folk-speech S. Cheshire To'arts as, in comparison with.

e. In expression of good wishes for (a person, or his health): = to prep. 12a, 26b dialect.

ΚΠ

1766 O. Goldsmith Vicar of Wakefield II. ii. 42 Drinking towards my good health.

1854 W. M. Thackeray Newcomes I. xi. 119 Here's towards you, my buck.

4. Of time or succession: = toward prep. 4.

ΘΚΠ

the world > time > relative time > the future or time to come > future [preposition] > towards or near

to-gains971

yhendeOE

againlOE

againstc1330

gainc1475

towarda1500

towardsa1616

a1616 W. Shakespeare Richard III (1623) iii. v. 99 I goe, and towards [1597 About] three or foure a Clocke Looke for the Newes.

1661 R. Lovell Πανζωορυκτολογια, sive Panzoologicomineralogia Isagoge sig. D6^v Snailes, which some count most dainty sweet and nourishing meat, and are best towards winter.

1754 Bp. T. Sherlock Disc. (1759) I. ix. 251 These Words stand towards the Close of St. John's Gospel.

1836 C. P. Traill Backwoods of Canada 208 The skins are very thick and glossy towards winter.

1886 C. E. Pascoe London of To-day (ed. 3) xxxi. 282 In Whitehall Gardens..Beaconsfield lived for a short time towards the latter part of his life.

5. ‘Getting on for’, verging upon, nearly as much as; tending to: = toward prep. 5.

ΘΚΠ

the world > relative properties > relationship > similarity > [preposition] > like, nearly, or as if

afterOE

toward1541

towards1563

1563 J. Foxe Actes & Monuments 1698/2 Beinge iudged by the common people, more then an hundreth years of age, and by her owne estimation well towardes a C.

1619 J. Hales Let. 21 Jan. 69 in Golden Remains (1659) When Gomarus had spoken towards an hour and half.

1626 F. Bacon Sylua Syluarum §77 Water, thicker, and more towards Ice, than Common Water.

1712 R. Steele Spectator No. 437. ⁋1 She was gay, airy, and a little towards Libertine in her Carriage.

1777 E. Burke Corr. (1844) II. 195 Where there are towards six hundred persons.

1845 J. H. Newman Ess. Devel. Christian Doctr. 41 When he is towards fifty, Mr. Wesley marries.

†6.

a. In prospect of, approaching: = toward prep. 6. Obsolete.

ΚΠ

1523 Ld. Berners tr. J. Froissart Cronycles I. cccxxvii. 512 He was towardes a treaty for a maryage for him with the doughter of y^e kyng of Castell.

1541 in State Papers Henry VIII (1849) VIII. 599 As towching ony maryage that she was towardes, I harde of non.

1611 C. Tourneur Atheist's Trag. (new ed.) ii. sig. E4 What? is not thy mistresse towards a husband yet?

a1624 Bp. M. Smith Serm. (1632) 141 I did not know that thou hadst a cause towards hearing.

1661 in F. P. Verney & M. M. Verney Mem. Verney Family 17th Cent. (1907) II. 175 I here your son is towardes a good fortewen.

1688 T. Shadwell Squire of Alsatia v. i. 77 Your Brother has heard of this great Match you are towards.

†b. Coming upon, in store for: = toward prep. 6b. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the world > existence and causation > occurrence > future events > [preposition] > in store for

toward1489

towards1560

1560 J. Daus tr. J. Sleidane Commentaries f. xiiij^v There was muche trouble towardes him, what by the Turkes, and what by the Frenche men.

1633 Bp. J. Hall Plaine Explic. Hard Texts ii. 123 Jesus..well knew what evill was towards him.

1719 E. Young Busiris v. 63 I fear..some Ill is towards me.

1749 H. Fielding Tom Jones III. viii. vi. 187 I dreamed..that I stumbled over a Stool without hurting myself; which plainly showed me something good was towards me.

7. In contribution to; for making up, promoting, etc.: = toward prep. 7.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > possession > giving > [preposition] > by way of contribution

toward1468

towards1474

1474 Coventry Leet Bk. 412 Such benivolence as his louyng subgettes there schall shewe vnto hym towardes his grete viage in-to ffraunce.

1521 Will of John Berryff in Essex Rev. (1904) 13 221 Item I bequeth to Bryghtlyngsey Church towards lengthing of our Lady Chapell..iii. quarters of the ship called the Trinitie.

1639 S. Du Verger tr. J.-P. Camus Admirable Events 77 Nothing could have prevailed towards the saving of his life.

1729 W. Law Serious Call viii. 112 She pays their rent, and gives them something yearly towards their cloathing.

1806 Act 46 Geo. III c. 132 (title) To advance a certain sum..towards that purpose.

1908 Month Mar. 317 This is a contribution towards what is now denominated ‘Methodology’.

8. For to ..-wards, separated by the noun or pronoun, see -wards suffix. Cf. to prep. 2e, toward prep. 8.

B. adv. or predicative adj.

I. Predicative, or following a noun: cf. predicative uses of toward adj.

†1. In preparation, at hand, coming on, imminent: cf. toward adj. 2b. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the world > time > relative time > the future or time to come > [adverb] > near in time > imminent or close at hand

beside1297

fast byc1300

neara1400

towards1468

hard by1535

1468 J. Paston in Paston Lett. & Papers (2004) I. 398 If ye vndrestond þat any assawte scholde be towardys.

1585 T. Washington tr. N. de Nicolay Nauigations Turkie i. xxii. 28 There was no danger towards.

1597 W. Shakespeare Romeo & Juliet i. v. 121 We haue a trifling foolish banquet towards .

1638 J. Suckling Aglaura ii. 15 If there be not some great storme towards, Nere trust mee.

1652 D. Osborne Lett. (1888) 30 His marriage, which I hear is towards, with a daughter of [etc.].

1697 J. Vanbrugh Relapse iii. 47 Take heed my heart, for there are dangers towards.

†2. Favourable, compliant, forward, ready. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > will > wish or inclination > willingness > [adjective]

freeeOE

well-willingOE

readyc1175

fainc1275

buxoma1300

prestc1300

liefc1325

rifec1390

willyc1390

baina1400

willinga1400

listyc1440

towardc1440

appliable1449

pronea1450

wilfulc1460

prompt?a1475

content1477

towardly1513

contenteda1525

towards1525

fond1529

comingc1576

unrefusinga1586

open-armed1594

voluntary1598

gainsome1629

easy1653

unreluctant1654

nothing loath1667

applicable1702

irreluctanta1706

unhesitating1753

unloath1861

prone-minded1869

1525 W. Warham Let. 5 Apr. in H. Ellis Orig. Lett. Eng. Hist. (1846) 3rd Ser. I. 366 Seing men grudgeth to be towardes in graunting, it is to be feared they will make more murmur and busynes in the tyme of payment.

†3. At hand, ready, present: cf. toward adj. 6.

ΘΚΠ

the world > space > place > presence > [adverb]

presenta1400

presentlyc1425

presentiallyc1450

herea1500

towards1548

presentificly1653

1548 N. Udall et al. tr. Erasmus Paraphr. Newe Test. I. John 71 b Being redy and towardes at his call.

1564 N. Haward tr. Eutropius Briefe Chron. vi. sig. K.vii^v Hys Sonne also, a valyaunte and worthye yonge man towardes.

II. Senses relating to movement or action in the direction of something.

a. In the direction of some person or thing indicated by the context (cf. toward adj. 1, forwards, onwards). Obsolete or archaic.

ΘΚΠ

the world > space > direction > [adverb] > to or towards some thing or place

uponc1475

up1513

down along1525

towards1590

on1804

downlong1863

againwards1876

to1889

the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > movement towards a thing, person, or position > [adverb]

towarda1300

justc1440

towards1590

in1709

in-ower1813

1590 E. Spenser Faerie Queene i. ii. sig. B5 The knight.., when him he spide,..Gan fairely couch his speare, and towards ride.

1590 E. Spenser Faerie Queene ii. iv. 37 A varlet ronning towards hastily.

1592 Arden of Feversham iii. vi At your dags discharge Make towards.

1818 J. Keats Endymion iii. 129 This fire, like the eye of gordian snake, Bewitch'd me towards; and I soon was near A sight too fearful for the feel of fear.

†b. ? Towards some end or purpose; (as a contribution) towards something. Obsolete.

ΚΠ

1473 J. Paston in Paston Lett. & Papers (2004) I. 473 I pray yow sende me worde..iff I have Caster ageyn whethyre she [my modre] wolle dwelle ther or nott, and I wyll fynde hyr a prest towardys at my charge.

†5. Onwards, on (in quot. 1587, of time): cf. toward adj. 2. Obsolete. rare.

ΘΚΠ

the world > time > relative time > the future or time to come > [adverb] > from now or henceforth

fortha700

heneOE

henforthOE

forwardOE

anovenOE

yetOE

downwardc1175

forthwardc1175

furthermorea1300

henforthwardc1300

forne14..

henceforwardc1330

henforwardc1330

hencefortha1375

henceforthwardc1384

hencec1390

furtherwarda1400

forwardsc1400

hyneforwardc1400

henceforwardsa1425

even-forthc1425

forth on1474

henceforthon1490

hynea1500

froforth1536

hyneforth1570

downwards1584

towards1587

here-hence1592

whenceforth1658

whenceforwarda1661

onward1667

onwards1732

from here on out1867

as of now1902

1587 J. Hooker Chron. Ireland 158/1 in Holinshed's Chron. (new ed.) II The daie being spent to small purpose, & the night drawne towards, he incamped.

This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1913; most recently modified version published online December 2021).

单词	towards
释义	towardsprep.adv. /ˈtəʊədz//ˈtɔːədz//tɔːdz//təˈwɔːdz/ Forms: Old English toweardes, Old English, 1500s to wardes, Middle English–1600s towardes, (Middle English -is, -ys, tawardes, 1500s towerdys, Scottish towartis, 1600s towardst), Middle English– towards, (1600s–1700s tow'rds). Etymology: Old English tóweardes , < tóweard, toward adj., with -es , -s of adverbial genitive: see -wards suffix. (As to varieties of pronunciation see toward prep.) A. prep. 1. a. Of motion, etc.: In the direction of, on the way to: = toward prep. 1. ΘΚΠ the world > space > direction > in the direction of [preposition] tilla800 towardsc888 toc890 towardc893 to-gainsc950 anenta1225 i-gainc1325 ata1400 gaina1400 tilwarda1400 gainwarda1542 the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > movement towards a thing, person, or position > towards [preposition] towardsc888 toc893 towardc893 againeOE to-gainsc950 againstc1300 anenta1425 c888 Ælfred tr. Boethius De Consol. Philos. xxxix. §1 Hwy ne magon ge gebidan gecyndelices deaðes, nu he eow ælce dæg toweardes onet? c1122 Anglo-Saxon Chron. ann. 1094 Se eorl innon Normandig..mid þam cynge of France..ferdon to wardes Ou þær se cyng Willelm inne wæs. c1275 (?a1200) Laȝamon Brut (Calig.) (1963) l. 259 Brutus iherde seggen..þat Pandrasus þe king him towardes com. mid muchelere ferde. 1442 T. Beckington Corr. (Rolls) II. 190 Maister John de Batute departed hens on Saturday at noon towards his cuntrey. 1538 in R. G. Marsden Sel. Pleas Court Admiralty (1894) I. 73 They made saile towards their owne countrey. 1552 R. Huloet Abcedarium Anglico Latinum Towardes and toward... Yet marke the maner of phrase as you dyd in amonge & amongest. 1766 O. Goldsmith Vicar of Wakefield I. x. 96 The procession marching slowly forward towards the church. 1816 J. Wilson City of Plague i. i Every step I take Towards the city. 1860 J. Tyndall Glaciers of Alps i. viii. 59 I turned towards home. †b. predicative after to be: On the way to: = toward prep. 1b. Obsolete. ΚΠ a1616 W. Shakespeare All's Well that ends Well (1623) iii. ii. 68 Towards Florence is he? View more context for this quotation †c. To (with implication of reaching): = toward prep. 1c. Obsolete. ΚΠ 1467 Coventry Leet Bk. 335 Also þat [they] sufficiently amende þe fotewey towardes Crab-tre-feld. 1585 T. Washington tr. N. de Nicolay Nauigations Turkie i. xxii. 29 Too dispatche and sende away the knight..towardes the court, too aduertise the king. 1613 T. Milles tr. P. Mexia et al. Treasurie Auncient & Moderne Times 698/1 Pope Innocent..sent verie Learned and Religious men towards Baty. a1616 W. Shakespeare Winter's Tale (1623) iv. iii. 112 I will..pace softly towards my Kinsmans. View more context for this quotation 2. a. Of position: In the direction of; on the side next to; directed to, facing: = toward prep. 2. ΚΠ 1423 Kingis Quair civ Benignely sche turnyt has hir face Towardis me. 1503 in Lett. Richard III & Henry VII (1861) I. 202 The said bishop as he stode..towardes the quere. a1555 J. Bradford in J. Strype Eccl. Memorials (1721) III. App. xlv. 129 To make all our Haven-Townes mor stronger towardes the Land, than they be towardes the Sea. 1611 Bible (King James) Psalms xxv. 15 Mine eyes are euer towards the Lord. View more context for this quotation 1662 J. Davies tr. A. Olearius Voy. & Trav. Ambassadors 58 Canon, with the mouths towards that street. 1712 J. Swift Proposal for Eng. Tongue 16 The Northern Parts, lying towards the Euxine. 1726 G. Leoni tr. L. B. Alberti Architecture I. 99/2 Hills towards the North..encrease the heat. 1851 A. Helps Compan. Solitude vi. 85 I sat upon a garden seat in a sheltered nook towards the south. †b. Beside, near; in attendance on, about; in the possession of; with: = toward prep. 2b. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the world > space > distance > nearness > near to [preposition] nighOE anentOE atOE yhendeOE anewstc1275 nigh handa1300 neara1325 narc1325 againstc1384 nearhanda1400 towardc1400 towards?1447 nearhand?c1450 nearbyc1485 anear1532 anigh1583 under or in the shadow of1853 the world > relative properties > relationship > accompaniment > accompany [preposition] > to the accompaniment of anentOE towardc1400 towards?1447 along with?1566 ?1447 Lett. Marg. Anjou & Bp. Beckington (Camden) 94 We..praye yow hertely, that..ye wil have oure said secretary towards yow. 1459 Rolls of Parl. V. 367 Persones of grete myght, havyng towardes theym of their lyverey..such multitude of Robbers, Rioters, and myschevous persones. 1614–15 Archdeaconry of Essex Minutes lf. 103 b (MS.) The prince his landresse and a man towards the prince were by the harbenger placed to lodge in his house. 1669 G. Miege Relation of Three Embassies 371 He had chosen his Excellence the Earle of Carlisle..for his Ambassador Extraordinary towards him. 3. In the direction of (figurative). a. gen. = toward prep. 3a. ΚΠ 1634 T. Herbert Relation Some Yeares Trauaile 49 Their beauties are..such as preuaile in my iudgement, towards chastitie, more then Ouids Remedy of Loue. 1692 E. Walker tr. Epictetus Enchiridion lxxi He that labours on Towards Perfection. 1763 J. Brown Diss. Poetry & Music xiv. 241 In all polished States, these Arts have a natural Tendency towards Corruption. 1849 T. B. Macaulay Hist. Eng. I. ii. 231 The king was suspected by many of a leaning towards Rome. 1871 R. H. Hutton Ess. (1888) v. 118 The absolute will towards right. b. Introducing the object of action or feeling: = toward prep. 3b. ΚΠ 1390 J. Gower Confessio Amantis II. 32 I mai wel..Excuse me of necgligence Towardes love in alle wise. 1483 in J. Gairdner Lett. Reigns of Richard III & Henry VII (1861) I. 48 Good will towardes hir housband. c1495 in Lett. Rich. III & Hen. VII (Rolls) II. 57 To ordre that matier towardis hym as he shalbe right well contented. 1536 Cal. Anc. Rec. Dublin (1889) I. 498 Thankes off hys grett goodnes towerdys me. 1536 in T. Wright Three Chapters Lett. Suppression Monasteries (1843) 99 How I shal use me self towardes thaim. 1596 E. Spenser Second Pt. Faerie Queene vi. ii. sig. Aa4 To blame him for such cruelty Towards a Ladie. View more context for this quotation 1682 J. Norris tr. Hierocles Golden Verses 32 Friendship ought to be exercised towards all, but especially toward good men. 1713 R. Steele in Guardian 14 Mar. 2/1 A sense of Piety towards Heaven. 1827 J. Bentham Rationale Judicial Evid. IV. viii. iii. 53 He has as good a pretence and (as towards the public) a justification, as heart can wish. 1885 Manch. Examiner 10 July 5/2 The sentiments of the Thibetans towards us. †c. In favour of; favourable to: = for prep. 7. Obsolete. rare. ΘΚΠ the mind > attention and judgement > esteem > favour > [preposition] > favourable to towards1472 1472 J. Arblaster in Paston Lett. & Papers (2004) I. 580 To haue thys perlement as for on of the burgeys of the towne of Maldon syche a man of worchep and of wytt as wer towardys my seyd lady. 1477 M. Paston in Paston Lett. & Papers (2004) I. 663 And [= if] ȝe com and fynde þe mater no more toward [you] þen ȝe dyd afortyme. d. Compared to, in comparison with: = to prep. 18, toward prep. 3d. Now dialect. ΘΚΠ the mind > attention and judgement > discovery > comparison > marking comparison [preposition] withc888 toc1000 againsta1225 atweenc1400 toward1527 towards?1555 vis-à-vis1755 ?1555 M. Coverdale tr. O. Werdmueller Treat. Death i. xxv. 93 In comparison whereof.. myrthe and chere vpon earthe is scace to bee estemed, as castynge counters, towardes the fyneste coynes of golde. 1685 Mr. Travestin Acct. Proc. against Turks 27 They fought with such desperation and courage towards what they had done before. 1887 T. Darlington Folk-speech S. Cheshire To'arts as, in comparison with. e. In expression of good wishes for (a person, or his health): = to prep. 12a, 26b dialect. ΚΠ 1766 O. Goldsmith Vicar of Wakefield II. ii. 42 Drinking towards my good health. 1854 W. M. Thackeray Newcomes I. xi. 119 Here's towards you, my buck. 4. Of time or succession: = toward prep. 4. ΘΚΠ the world > time > relative time > the future or time to come > future [preposition] > towards or near to-gains971 yhendeOE againlOE againstc1330 gainc1475 towarda1500 towardsa1616 a1616 W. Shakespeare Richard III (1623) iii. v. 99 I goe, and towards [1597 About] three or foure a Clocke Looke for the Newes. 1661 R. Lovell Πανζωορυκτολογια, sive Panzoologicomineralogia Isagoge sig. D6^v Snailes, which some count most dainty sweet and nourishing meat, and are best towards winter. 1754 Bp. T. Sherlock Disc. (1759) I. ix. 251 These Words stand towards the Close of St. John's Gospel. 1836 C. P. Traill Backwoods of Canada 208 The skins are very thick and glossy towards winter. 1886 C. E. Pascoe London of To-day (ed. 3) xxxi. 282 In Whitehall Gardens..Beaconsfield lived for a short time towards the latter part of his life. 5. ‘Getting on for’, verging upon, nearly as much as; tending to: = toward prep. 5. ΘΚΠ the world > relative properties > relationship > similarity > [preposition] > like, nearly, or as if afterOE toward1541 towards1563 1563 J. Foxe Actes & Monuments 1698/2 Beinge iudged by the common people, more then an hundreth years of age, and by her owne estimation well towardes a C. 1619 J. Hales Let. 21 Jan. 69 in Golden Remains (1659) When Gomarus had spoken towards an hour and half. 1626 F. Bacon Sylua Syluarum §77 Water, thicker, and more towards Ice, than Common Water. 1712 R. Steele Spectator No. 437. ⁋1 She was gay, airy, and a little towards Libertine in her Carriage. 1777 E. Burke Corr. (1844) II. 195 Where there are towards six hundred persons. 1845 J. H. Newman Ess. Devel. Christian Doctr. 41 When he is towards fifty, Mr. Wesley marries. †6. a. In prospect of, approaching: = toward prep. 6. Obsolete. ΚΠ 1523 Ld. Berners tr. J. Froissart Cronycles I. cccxxvii. 512 He was towardes a treaty for a maryage for him with the doughter of y^e kyng of Castell. 1541 in State Papers Henry VIII (1849) VIII. 599 As towching ony maryage that she was towardes, I harde of non. 1611 C. Tourneur Atheist's Trag. (new ed.) ii. sig. E4 What? is not thy mistresse towards a husband yet? a1624 Bp. M. Smith Serm. (1632) 141 I did not know that thou hadst a cause towards hearing. 1661 in F. P. Verney & M. M. Verney Mem. Verney Family 17th Cent. (1907) II. 175 I here your son is towardes a good fortewen. 1688 T. Shadwell Squire of Alsatia v. i. 77 Your Brother has heard of this great Match you are towards. †b. Coming upon, in store for: = toward prep. 6b. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the world > existence and causation > occurrence > future events > [preposition] > in store for toward1489 towards1560 1560 J. Daus tr. J. Sleidane Commentaries f. xiiij^v There was muche trouble towardes him, what by the Turkes, and what by the Frenche men. 1633 Bp. J. Hall Plaine Explic. Hard Texts ii. 123 Jesus..well knew what evill was towards him. 1719 E. Young Busiris v. 63 I fear..some Ill is towards me. 1749 H. Fielding Tom Jones III. viii. vi. 187 I dreamed..that I stumbled over a Stool without hurting myself; which plainly showed me something good was towards me. View more context for this quotation 7. In contribution to; for making up, promoting, etc.: = toward prep. 7. ΘΚΠ the mind > possession > giving > [preposition] > by way of contribution toward1468 towards1474 1474 Coventry Leet Bk. 412 Such benivolence as his louyng subgettes there schall shewe vnto hym towardes his grete viage in-to ffraunce. 1521 Will of John Berryff in Essex Rev. (1904) 13 221 Item I bequeth to Bryghtlyngsey Church towards lengthing of our Lady Chapell..iii. quarters of the ship called the Trinitie. 1639 S. Du Verger tr. J.-P. Camus Admirable Events 77 Nothing could have prevailed towards the saving of his life. 1729 W. Law Serious Call viii. 112 She pays their rent, and gives them something yearly towards their cloathing. 1806 Act 46 Geo. III c. 132 (title) To advance a certain sum..towards that purpose. 1908 Month Mar. 317 This is a contribution towards what is now denominated ‘Methodology’. 8. For to ..-wards, separated by the noun or pronoun, see -wards suffix. Cf. to prep. 2e, toward prep. 8. B. adv. or predicative adj. I. Predicative, or following a noun: cf. predicative uses of toward adj. †1. In preparation, at hand, coming on, imminent: cf. toward adj. 2b. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the world > time > relative time > the future or time to come > [adverb] > near in time > imminent or close at hand beside1297 fast byc1300 neara1400 towards1468 hard by1535 1468 J. Paston in Paston Lett. & Papers (2004) I. 398 If ye vndrestond þat any assawte scholde be towardys. 1585 T. Washington tr. N. de Nicolay Nauigations Turkie i. xxii. 28 There was no danger towards. 1597 W. Shakespeare Romeo & Juliet i. v. 121 We haue a trifling foolish banquet towards . View more context for this quotation 1638 J. Suckling Aglaura ii. 15 If there be not some great storme towards, Nere trust mee. 1652 D. Osborne Lett. (1888) 30 His marriage, which I hear is towards, with a daughter of [etc.]. 1697 J. Vanbrugh Relapse iii. 47 Take heed my heart, for there are dangers towards. †2. Favourable, compliant, forward, ready. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the mind > will > wish or inclination > willingness > [adjective] freeeOE well-willingOE readyc1175 fainc1275 buxoma1300 prestc1300 liefc1325 rifec1390 willyc1390 baina1400 willinga1400 listyc1440 towardc1440 appliable1449 pronea1450 wilfulc1460 prompt?a1475 content1477 towardly1513 contenteda1525 towards1525 fond1529 comingc1576 unrefusinga1586 open-armed1594 voluntary1598 gainsome1629 easy1653 unreluctant1654 nothing loath1667 applicable1702 irreluctanta1706 unhesitating1753 unloath1861 prone-minded1869 1525 W. Warham Let. 5 Apr. in H. Ellis Orig. Lett. Eng. Hist. (1846) 3rd Ser. I. 366 Seing men grudgeth to be towardes in graunting, it is to be feared they will make more murmur and busynes in the tyme of payment. †3. At hand, ready, present: cf. toward adj. 6. ΘΚΠ the world > space > place > presence > [adverb] presenta1400 presentlyc1425 presentiallyc1450 herea1500 towards1548 presentificly1653 1548 N. Udall et al. tr. Erasmus Paraphr. Newe Test. I. John 71 b Being redy and towardes at his call. 1564 N. Haward tr. Eutropius Briefe Chron. vi. sig. K.vii^v Hys Sonne also, a valyaunte and worthye yonge man towardes. II. Senses relating to movement or action in the direction of something. 4. a. In the direction of some person or thing indicated by the context (cf. toward adj. 1, forwards, onwards). Obsolete or archaic. ΘΚΠ the world > space > direction > [adverb] > to or towards some thing or place uponc1475 up1513 down along1525 towards1590 on1804 downlong1863 againwards1876 to1889 the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > movement towards a thing, person, or position > [adverb] towarda1300 justc1440 towards1590 in1709 in-ower1813 1590 E. Spenser Faerie Queene i. ii. sig. B5 The knight.., when him he spide,..Gan fairely couch his speare, and towards ride. 1590 E. Spenser Faerie Queene ii. iv. 37 A varlet ronning towards hastily. 1592 Arden of Feversham iii. vi At your dags discharge Make towards. 1818 J. Keats Endymion iii. 129 This fire, like the eye of gordian snake, Bewitch'd me towards; and I soon was near A sight too fearful for the feel of fear. †b. ? Towards some end or purpose; (as a contribution) towards something. Obsolete. ΚΠ 1473 J. Paston in Paston Lett. & Papers (2004) I. 473 I pray yow sende me worde..iff I have Caster ageyn whethyre she [my modre] wolle dwelle ther or nott, and I wyll fynde hyr a prest towardys at my charge. †5. Onwards, on (in quot. 1587, of time): cf. toward adj. 2. Obsolete. rare. ΘΚΠ the world > time > relative time > the future or time to come > [adverb] > from now or henceforth fortha700 heneOE henforthOE forwardOE anovenOE yetOE downwardc1175 forthwardc1175 furthermorea1300 henforthwardc1300 forne14.. henceforwardc1330 henforwardc1330 hencefortha1375 henceforthwardc1384 hencec1390 furtherwarda1400 forwardsc1400 hyneforwardc1400 henceforwardsa1425 even-forthc1425 forth on1474 henceforthon1490 hynea1500 froforth1536 hyneforth1570 downwards1584 towards1587 here-hence1592 whenceforth1658 whenceforwarda1661 onward1667 onwards1732 from here on out1867 as of now1902 1587 J. Hooker Chron. Ireland 158/1 in Holinshed's Chron. (new ed.) II The daie being spent to small purpose, & the night drawne towards, he incamped. This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1913; most recently modified version published online December 2021). > as lemmas to..wards 3. Examples of to..wards. a. with proper name or noun without article or other defining word. Π c1374 G. Chaucer Troilus & Criseyde i. 59 Yt is wel wist how þat Grekes stronge In armes with a þousand shippes went To Troye~wardes. c1430 Contin. Brut 430 And tho the Kynge disposid hym to Godwardis. c1560 R. Morice in H. Ellis Orig. Lett. Eminent Lit. Men (1843) 25 Manifest blasphemy to Godwards. 1622 R. Hawkins Observ. Voiage South Sea xxii. 53 Our other Shippes..having kept their direct course, and far to wind-wards and Sea-wards,..could not heare the report. 1647 J. Howell New Vol. of Lett. 44 What the eye of a batt is to the sun, the same is all humane understanding to Godwards. 1650 W. Brough Sacred Princ. To Rdr. sig. A2^v Using them [sc. Books]..as..Guides and Helps to Heaven-wards. 1892 M. C. F. Morris Yorks. Folk-talk 260 The addition of ‘wards’ to nouns as a suffix denoting direction is frequent in our folk-talk—as ‘ti Newton-wards’ or ‘fra Newton-wards’. b. with noun determined by definite article or otherwise. Π 1415 in 43rd Ann. Rep. Deputy Keeper Public Rec. (1882) App. i. 589 in Parl. Papers (C. 3425) XXXVI. 1 My wyttys arne not to ye world wardys so redy as yey werne. 1589 J. Sparke in R. Hakluyt Princ. Navigations iii. 532 He marched to the townewardes. c. with personal pronoun. Π 1399 W. Langland Richard Redeles iii. 76 Þe nedy nestlingis..burnisched her beekis and bent to-him-wardis. c1400 Mandeville's Trav. (Roxb.) xxviii. 128 And, when þe Cristen men sawe þam com to þam wardes, þai ware riȝt ferde. 1442 T. Beckington Corr. (Rolls) II. 216 The continuancis of true obeissaunce unto us wards of our subgetts. 1472 J. Paston in Paston Lett. & Papers (2004) I. 449 Also I praye yow feele my lady off Norffolkys dysposicion to me wardys. 1532 (c1385) Usk's Test. Loue in Wks. G. Chaucer i. f. cccxxxvi If that Margarite denyeth nowe nat to suffre her vertues shyne to the wardes, with spreadynge beames. 1532 (c1385) Usk's Test. Loue in Wks. G. Chaucer iii. f. ccclv^v Aungels blysse that to him wardes was comyng. 1574 W. Bourne Regim. for Sea (1577) xiv. 42 If you remoue the transitory but a quarter the length of the transitory to youwards. 1583 A. Golding tr. J. Calvin Serm. on Deuteronomie cxx. 738 When God gathereth vs to him by death, wee cease not to liue still to himwardes. a1586 Sir P. Sidney Arcadia (1590) ii. v. sig. R2^v Euer concluding ech thing he did with his face to me-wards. 1635 J. Hayward tr. G. F. Biondi Donzella Desterrada 20 Behaving my selfe unmanerly to-you-wards. 1635 J. Hayward tr. G. F. Biondi Donzella Desterrada 169 The courteous inclination to me-wards, which to my good hap I discover in you. 1648 R. Herrick Hesperides sig. E4 You say, to me-wards, your affection's strong; Pray love me little, so you love me long. extracted from -wardssuffix < prep.adv.c888 as lemmas
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towardsprep.adv.

> as lemmas