towards
/təˈwɔːdz
/ /twɔːdz / /ˈtɔːdz /(chiefly North American also toward)
preposition
1In the direction of: they drove towards the German frontier...
- Both vehicles were travelling in the same direction, from Pickering towards Thornton-le-Dale.
- All three vehicles were travelling towards York from the direction of Pocklington at the time of the accident.
- Fearing for her safety, she changed direction and walked towards Faraday Road.
Synonyms
in the direction of, to, toward, so as to approach, so as to near;
on the way to, on the road to, en route for, in the vicinity of
1.1Getting closer to achieving (a goal): moves towards EU political and monetary union...
- For those of you who have worked towards or achieved this goal was it a permanent thing or a temporary experience?
- Many assume evolution works towards achieving a certain goal, like intelligence.
- What is the power of any president to move towards his goals if there will be thousands killed, half of them children?
Synonyms
with the aim of, in order to obtain, in order to achieve, so as to achieve, for
1.2Close or closer to (a particular time): towards the end of April
Synonyms
just before, shortly before, near, nearing, around, approaching, close to, coming to, getting on for, not quite
2Expressing the relation between behaviour or an attitude and the person or thing at which it is directed or with which it is concerned: he was warm and tender towards her our attitude towards death...
- The law is, of course, important in defining public attitudes towards particular types of behaviour.
- The website suggests a no-nonsense attitude towards unruly behaviour on the court.
- It was put to you that it has previously been necessary to speak to you about your attitude and behaviour towards female colleagues.
Synonyms
with regard to, as regards, regarding, in/with regard to, in/with respect to, respecting, in relation to, concerning, about, in connection with, apropos
3Contributing to the cost of: the council provided a grant towards the cost of new buses...
- In-Step does offer a small grant towards the cost of the stay, which should ensure no-one is out of pocket.
- Surely, if the technology is there, the government could use its windfall to give grants towards the cost.
- There are grants available towards costs incurred while developing a business idea.
Synonyms
as a contribution to, for, as a help to, to help, to assist, supporting, promoting, assisting
Origin
Old English tōweardes (see to, -ward).