toward

preposition Also to·wards.

1. in the direction of: to walk toward the river.
2. with a view to obtaining or having; for: They’re saving money toward a new house.
3. in the area or vicinity of; near: Our cabin is toward the top of the hill.
4. turned to; facing: Her back was toward me.
5. shortly before; close to: toward midnight.
6. as a help or contribution to: to give money toward a person’s expenses.
7. with respect to; as regards: his attitude toward women.

adjective

8. about to come soon; imminent.
9. going on; in progress; afoot: There is work toward.
10. propitious; favorable.
11. Obsolete.
    1. promising or apt, as a student.
    2. compliant; docile.

adjective (ˈtəʊəd)

1. rare in progress; afoot
2. obsolete about to happen; imminent
3. obsolete promising or favourable

preposition (təˈwɔːd, tɔːd)

4. a variant of towards

Old English toweard “in the direction of,” prepositional use of toweard (adj.) “coming, approaching,” from to (see to) + -weard, from Proto-Germanic *-warth, from PIE *wert “turn” (see –ward). Towards with adverbial genitive ending, was in Old English as toweards.

see go a long way toward.