‘Foreword’ and ‘forward’

Foreword and forward are often listed as homophones, but whether this is true for your own speech probably depends on regional variations. I pronounce them differently, but I believe that when spoken in some other (particularly American) accents they sound the same.

Foreword

  • an introductory statement to a book

Forward

  • directed, travelling or moving aheadforward-arrow
  • at, in, near or towards the front
  • onward in order to make progress
  • bold, disrespectful or overfamiliar
  • well developed or advanced
  • of or relating to the future or favouring change
  • an attacking player in various sports
  • towards or at a place ahead or in advance
  • to send on to a destination
  • to advance or promote

My tip: a foreword is composed using words.


Sources:

  • Collins English Dictionary, 2009
  • Oxford Dictionaries Online
  • Pixabay (image)

6 thoughts on “‘Foreword’ and ‘forward’

  1. How interesting! I never thought twice about the pronunciation being different – or the same. Here in Canada (Quebec province) we pronounce it the same. What country are you in, Hannah, where you say it differently? And is the difference in the “a” vs. the “o” sounds? (I would imagine so!)

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    • How interesting right back at you! I’m going to listen out for Canadians saying ‘forward’ and ‘foreword’ in the future. I’m a Brit, living in southern England and speaking with what is probably an estuary accent. I say ‘four-word’ (foreword) and ‘forwood’ (forward).

      EDIT: It’s probably more like ‘four-wurd’ actually.

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