forwardness

Noun

WordNet 3.0

Noun (3)

  1. offensive boldness and assertivenessSynonyms: bumptiousnesscockinesspushiness
  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”Synonyms: readinesseagernesszeal
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Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)

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. [1913 Webster]

3.Boldness; confidence; assurance; want of due reserve or modesty. [1913 Webster]

In France it is usual to bring children into company, and cherish in them, from their infancy, a kind of forwardness and assurance.— Addison.[1913 Webster]

5.A state of advance beyond the usual degree; prematureness; precocity; as, the forwardnessof spring or of corn; the forwardness of a pupil. [1913 Webster]

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]

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