Forward vs. Onward: Difference and Comparison
Edited by Muazma Batool — By Muneeza Rehman — Published on February 22, 2024
"Forward" indicates a direction or movement toward a particular point, while "onward" implies a continuation of movement or progression.
Difference Between Forward and Onward
"Forward" and "onward" are two directional terms that, at first glance, may seem synonymous. However, they carry distinct connotations and uses. "Forward" primarily connotes movement in a direction, usually the direction in which something is facing. This could be in a physical, spatial, or even metaphorical sense. When one says, "move forward," it generally means to progress in the direction one is currently oriented towards.
Muneeza Rehman
Feb 22, 2024
"Onward," on the other hand, encapsulates the idea of continuation, especially after a pause or interruption. It carries a sense of persistence and progression, not necessarily tied to a specific direction. When one hears "move onward," it suggests the continuation of a journey or task, regardless of the direction or challenges faced.
Muazma Batool
Feb 22, 2024
Furthermore, "forward" often finds its use in specific contexts like emails ("forward an email") or sports ("a forward pass"). It provides a clear sense of directionality in these scenarios. "Onward" lacks this specificity of direction but emphasizes the progression of time or action.
Muneeza Rehman
Feb 22, 2024
In everyday speech, "forward" could be used to instruct someone to move in the direction they are facing, while "onward" might be used to motivate someone to continue with their task. Both words, while similar in some respects, have nuances that make them distinct and valuable in the English language.
Levi
Feb 22, 2024
Forward vs. Onward Comparison Chart
Relation to Interruption
Doesn't imply any interruption
Can imply continuation post-pause
Muazma Batool
Feb 22, 2024
Specificity
Often has a clear directional sense
More about progress than direction
Muneeza Rehman
Feb 22, 2024
Forward vs. Onward Definitions
◉Onward
From a particular time forward.
From that day onward, he was a changed man.
Muazma Batool
Sep 24, 2023
◉Forward
In a position close to the front.
The forward cabin of the ship was his favorite.
Levi
Sep 24, 2023
◉Forward
To send or transmit something to another person.
I'll forward the email to you shortly.
Elijah
Sep 24, 2023
◉Onward
Going further rather than coming to a halt or end.
The journey onward was tough.
Kaitlyn
Sep 24, 2023
◉Forward
At, near, or belonging to the front or forepart; fore
the forward section of the aircraft.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 24, 2023
◉Onward
In a manner that continues a course of action.
They worked onward, undeterred by the challenges.
William
Sep 24, 2023
◉Onward
Indicating continuation of a movement or action.
They decided to move onward despite the rain.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 24, 2023
◉Forward
Going, tending, or moving toward a position in front
a forward plunge down a flight of stairs.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 24, 2023
◉Onward
In a direction or toward a position that is ahead in space or time; forward.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 24, 2023
◉Forward
Moving in a prescribed direction or order for normal use
forward rolling of the cassette tape.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 24, 2023
◉Onward
(not comparable) Moving forward.
There was an onward rush as the gates opened.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 24, 2023
◉Forward
Lacking restraint or modesty; presumptuous or bold
a forward child.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 24, 2023
◉Forward
Being ahead of current economic, political, or technological trends; progressive
a forward concept.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 24, 2023
◉Onward
Moving in a forward direction; tending toward a contemplated or desirable end; forward; as, an onward course, progress, etc.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 24, 2023
◉Onward
Advanced in a forward direction or toward an end.
Within a while, Philoxenus came to see how onward the fruits were of his friend's labor.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 24, 2023
◉Forward
Of, relating to, or done in preparation for the future
a rise in the forward price of corn.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 24, 2023
◉Onward
Toward a point before or in front; forward; progressively; as, to move onward.
Not one looks backward, onward still he goes.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 24, 2023
◉Onward
moving toward a position ahead;
forward motion
the onward course of events
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 24, 2023
◉Onward
forward in time or order or degree;
from that time forth
from the sixth century onward
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 24, 2023
◉Onward
in a forward direction;
go ahead
the train moved ahead slowly
the boat lurched ahead
moved onward into the forest
they went slowly forward in the mud
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 24, 2023
◉Forward
In the prescribed direction or sequence for normal use
rolled the tape forward.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 24, 2023
◉Forward
In an advanced position or a configuration registering a future time
set the clock forward.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 24, 2023
◉Forward
At or to a different time; earlier or later
moved the appointment forward, from Friday to Thursday. See Usage Note at backward.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 24, 2023
◉Forward
A player in certain games, such as basketball, soccer, or hockey, who is part of the forward line of the offense.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 24, 2023
◉Forward
Situated toward or at the front of something.
The fire was confined to the forward portion of the store.
the forward gun in a ship, the forward ship in a fleet
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 24, 2023
◉Forward
(of troops, guns etc.) Situated toward or near the enemy lines.
The forward battalion took a hammering.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 24, 2023
◉Forward
Acting in or pertaining to the direction in which someone or something is facing.
My forward vision is fine, but my peripheral vision is poor.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 24, 2023
◉Forward
Acting in or pertaining to the direction of travel or movement.
forward motion, forward thrust, forward momentum
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 24, 2023
◉Forward
(figuratively) Moving in the desired direction of progress.
This is an important forward step for the country.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 24, 2023
◉Forward
Having the usual order or sequence.
The front of the fire engine has backward writing, that can be read in a mirror, as well as forward writing.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 24, 2023
◉Forward
Expected or scheduled to take place in the future.
The stock price is currently 12 times forward earnings.
The price for forward delivery is presently higher than the spot price.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 24, 2023
◉Forward
Advanced beyond the usual degree; advanced for the season; precocious.
These students are very forward in their learning.
The grass is forward, or forward for the season. We have a forward spring.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 24, 2023
◉Forward
Without customary restraint or modesty; bold, cheeky, pert, presumptuous or pushy.
She is a very forward young lady, not afraid to speak her mind.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 24, 2023
◉Forward
(obsolete) Ready; prompt; ardently inclined; in a bad sense, eager or hasty.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 24, 2023
◉Forward
At, near or towards the front of something.
She was sitting well forward in the railway carriage.
The bus driver told everyone standing up to move forward.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 24, 2023
◉Forward
(nautical) At, near, or towards the bow of a vessel (with the frame of reference within the vessel).
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 24, 2023
◉Forward
In the direction in which someone or something is facing.
I leant forward to get a better look.
The grandfather clock toppled forward and crashed to the ground.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 24, 2023
◉Forward
In the desired or usual direction of movement or progress, physically or figuratively; onwards.
After spending an hour stuck in the mud, we could once again move forward.
Wind the film forward a few frames.
Don't forget to put the clocks forward by one hour tonight!
We need to move this project forward.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 24, 2023
◉Forward
So that front and back are in the usual orientation.
Don't wear your baseball cap backward; turn it forward.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 24, 2023
◉Forward
In the usual order or sequence.
A palindrome reads the same backward as forward.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 24, 2023
◉Forward
Into the future.
From this day forward, there will be no more brussels sprouts at the cafeteria.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 24, 2023
◉Forward
To an earlier point in time. See also bring forward.
The meeting has been moved forward an hour. It was at 3 o'clock; now it's at 2 o'clock.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 24, 2023
◉Forward
(transitive) To advance, promote.
He did all he could to forward the interests of the school.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 24, 2023
◉Forward
(transitive) To send (a letter, email etc.) on to a third party.
I'll be glad to forward your mail to you while you're gone.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 24, 2023
◉Forward
To assemble (a book) by sewing sections, attaching cover boards, and so on.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 24, 2023
◉Forward
(rugby) One of the eight players (comprising two props, one hooker, two locks, two flankers and one number eight, collectively known as the pack) whose primary task is to gain and maintain possession of the ball (compare back).
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 24, 2023
◉Forward
(soccer) A player on a team in football (soccer) in the row nearest to the opposing team's goal, who are therefore principally responsible for scoring goals.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 24, 2023
◉Forward
(ice hockey) An umbrella term for a centre or winger in ice hockey.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 24, 2023
◉Forward
(basketball) The small forward or power forward position; two frontcourt positions that are taller than guards but shorter than centers.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 24, 2023
◉Forward
(Internet) An e-mail message that is forwarded to another recipient or recipients; an electronic chain letter.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 24, 2023
◉Forward
(finance) A direct agreement between two parties to buy or sell an asset at a specific point in the future; distinguished from a futures contract in that the latter is standardized and traded on an exchange.
forward contract
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 24, 2023
◉Forward
An agreement; a covenant; a promise.
Tell us a tale anon, as forward is.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 24, 2023
◉Forward
Toward a part or place before or in front; onward; in advance; progressively; - opposed to backward.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 24, 2023
◉Forward
Near, or at the fore part; in advance of something else; as, the forward gun in a ship, or the forward ship in a fleet.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 24, 2023
◉Forward
Ready; prompt; strongly inclined; in an ill sense, overready; too hasty.
Only they would that we should remember the poor; the same which I also was forward to do.
Nor do we find him forward to be sounded.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 24, 2023
◉Forward
Ardent; eager; earnest; in an ill sense, less reserved or modest than is proper; bold; confident; as, the boy is too forward for his years.
I have known men disagreeably forward from their shyness.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 24, 2023
◉Forward
Advanced beyond the usual degree; advanced for the season; as, the grass is forward, or forward for the season; we have a forward spring.
The most forward budIs eaten by the canker ere it blow.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 24, 2023
◉Forward
To help onward; to advance; to promote; to accelerate; to quicken; to hasten; as, to forward the growth of a plant; to forward one in improvement.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 24, 2023
◉Forward
To send forward; to send toward the place of destination; to transmit; as, to forward a letter.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 24, 2023
◉Forward
send or ship onward from an intermediate post or station in transit;
forward my mail
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 24, 2023
◉Forward
at or near or directed toward the front;
the forward section of the aircraft
a forward plunge down the stairs
forward motion
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 24, 2023
◉Forward
moving toward a position ahead;
forward motion
the onward course of events
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 24, 2023
◉Forward
used of temperament or behavior; lacking restraint or modesty;
a forward child badly in need of discipline
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 24, 2023
◉Forward
of the transmission gear causing forward movement in a motor vehicle;
in a forward gear
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 24, 2023
◉Forward
situated at or toward the front;
the fore cabins
the forward part of the ship
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 24, 2023
◉Forward
at or to or toward the front;
he faced forward
step forward
she practiced sewing backward as well as frontward on her new sewing machine
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 24, 2023
◉Forward
forward in time or order or degree;
from that time forth
from the sixth century onward
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 24, 2023
◉Forward
toward the future; forward in time;
I like to look ahead in imagination to what the future may bring
I look forward to seeing you
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 24, 2023
◉Forward
in a forward direction;
go ahead
the train moved ahead slowly
the boat lurched ahead
moved onward into the forest
they went slowly forward in the mud
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 24, 2023
◉Forward
near or toward the bow of a ship or cockpit of a plane;
the captain went fore (or forward) to check the instruments
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 24, 2023
◉Forward
Towards the direction that one is facing or traveling.
He stepped forward to receive the award.
William
Sep 24, 2023
◉Forward
In favor of progress or improvement.
We need to think forward and innovate.
William
Sep 24, 2023
Forward vs. Onward Frequently Asked Questions
Is onward synonymous with forward?
While similar, onward emphasizes continuation, whereas forward emphasizes direction.
Elijah
Feb 22, 2024
Is forward always about a physical direction?
No, forward can also refer to advancements in ideas or progression in time.
Muneeza Rehman
Feb 22, 2024
Can forward be used in a technological context?
Yes, like forwarding an email or a message.
Muneeza Rehman
Feb 22, 2024
Can forward refer to progression in a metaphorical sense?
Yes, like "moving forward" after a setback or challenge.
Kaitlyn
Feb 22, 2024
If something is "facing forward," what does it mean?
It means it's oriented in the direction it's meant to move or face.
Elijah
Feb 22, 2024
Does onward always imply a previous pause?
Not necessarily, onward can simply mean to continue in a general sense.
Muazma Batool
Feb 22, 2024
Does onward relate to the future?
Onward relates more to the continuation of action or time rather than a specific future orientation.
Olivia
Feb 22, 2024
Can we use forward in sports terminology?
Yes, terms like "forward pass" in football are common examples.
Levi
Feb 22, 2024
Is onward more about persistence?
Onward often carries a connotation of persistence and continuation of action.
Jonathan
Feb 22, 2024
Which term, forward or onward, indicates a more specific direction?
Forward typically indicates a more specific direction compared to onward.
William
Feb 22, 2024
Content Creators
Written by
Muneeza RehmanAt Comparisons.wiki, Muneeza skillfully navigates the vast sea of information, ensuring clarity and accuracy as the lead content editor. With a keen eye for detail, she curates every comparison to enlighten and engage readers.
Edited by
Muazma BatoolAs a content editor, Muazma Batool is not just a grammar guru but a creative mastermind who breathes life into every word. With an eagle eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, she transforms bland text into engaging content that captivates audiences and drives results.
