forwardness Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun offensive boldness and assertiveness
    pushiness; bumptiousness; cockiness.
  2. noun an advanced stage
    • the forwardness of the harvest this year
    • the arts are in no kind of forwardness in this matter
  3. noun prompt willingness
    zeal; readiness; eagerness.
    • readiness to continue discussions
    • they showed no eagerness to spread the gospel
    • they disliked his zeal in demonstrating his superiority
    • he tried to explain his forwardness in battle

WordNet

For"ward*ness noun
Definitions
  1. The quality of being forward; cheerful readiness; promtness; as, the forwardness of Christians in propagating the gospel.
  2. An advanced stage of progress or of preparation; advancement; as, his measures were in great forwardness. Robertson.
  3. Eagerness; ardor; as, it is difficult to restrain the forwardness of youth.
  4. Boldness; confidence; assurance; want of due reserve or modesty.
    In France it is usual to bring children into company, and cherish in them, from their infancy, a kind of forwardness and assurance. Addison.
  5. A state of advance beyond the usual degree; prematureness; precocity; as, the forwardnessof spring or of corn; the forwardness of a pupil.
    He had such a dexterous proclivity, as his teachers were fain to restrain his forwardness. Sir H. Wotton.
    Syn. -- Promptness; promptitude; eagerness; ardor; zeal; assurance; confidence; boldness; impudence; presumption.

Webster 1913