How to pronounce forward
Say it like FOR-werd. Forward has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (FOR).
- FOR
- werd
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Forward pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- FORSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "aw" in law.
- werdKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of forward
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: FAW-wud.
What does forward mean?
- Situated toward or at the front of something.“The fire was confined to the forward portion of the store.”
- Situated toward or near the enemy lines.“The forward battalion took a hammering.”
- 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.”
- At, near or towards the front of something.“She was sitting well forward in the railway carriage.”
- At, near, or towards the bow of a vessel (with the frame of reference within the vessel).
- In the direction in which someone or something is facing.“I leant forward to get a better look.”
- To advance, promote.“He did all he could to forward the interests of the school.”
- 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.”
- To assemble (a book) by sewing sections, attaching cover boards, and so on.
Where does forward come from?
From Middle English foreward, from Old English foreweard (“forward, inclined to the front, fore, early, former”), from Proto-Germanic *fura- (“fore-”), *warþaz (“turned”), equivalent to fore + -ward.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Questions about saying forward
How do you pronounce forward?
Say FOR-werd. The American pronunciation is /ˈfɔrwɚd/. In British English it is /ˈfɔːwəd/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in forward?
Forward has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (FOR). Broken into parts: FOR · werd.
Is forward pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ˈfɔːwəd/ (FAW-wud).