from
WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006)
forwardness
n 1: offensive boldness and assertiveness [syn: {bumptiousness},
{cockiness}, {pushiness}, {forwardness}]
2: an advanced stage; "the forwardness of the harvest this
year"; "the arts are in no kind of forwardness in this
matter"
3: prompt willingness; "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" [syn:
{readiness}, {eagerness}, {zeal}, {forwardness}]
from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Forwardness \For"ward*ness\, n.
The quality of being forward; cheerful readiness; promtness;
as, the forwardness of Christians in propagating the gospel.
[1913 Webster]
2. An advanced stage of progress or of preparation;
advancement; as, his measures were in great forwardness.
--Robertson.
[1913 Webster]
3. Eagerness; ardor; as, it is difficult to restrain the
forwardness of youth.
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3. Boldness; confidence; assurance; want of due reserve or
modesty.
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In France it is usual to bring children into
company, and cherish in them, from their infancy, a
kind of forwardness and assurance. --Addison.
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5. A state of advance beyond the usual degree; prematureness;
precocity; as, the forwardnessof spring or of corn; the
forwardness of a pupil.
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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.
[1913 Webster]