Move forward: meaning, definitions and examples

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move forward

 

[ muːv ˈfɔːwəd ]

Verb / Noun
Context #1 | Verb

direction

To continue or make progress in a forward direction.

Synonyms

advance, proceed, progress.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
move forward

Use this phrase to indicate physical or metaphorical movement in a straightforward direction. It is general and versatile, and can be used in casual as well as formal contexts.

  • Let's move forward with the project.
  • The line moved forward slowly.
progress

This word is used to describe development or improvement over time. It is often seen in academic, personal development, or project-related contexts.

  • She has made a lot of progress in her studies.
  • The project is progressing well.
advance

This word is suitable for formal or professional scenarios, often indicating progress in knowledge, position, technology, or scientific fields.

  • The researchers made significant advances in cancer treatment.
  • He was able to advance quickly within the company.
proceed

Use 'proceed' in situations where you are moving forward with a plan or action, often in a somewhat formal or instructional context.

  • After the break, we will proceed with the meeting.
  • Please proceed to the next step.

Examples of usage

  • He encouraged his team to move forward despite the setbacks.
  • The project cannot succeed unless we all move forward together.
Context #2 | Verb

time

To advance in time, especially to a later point.

Synonyms

advance, proceed, progress.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
move forward

Informal or day-to-day conversations when indicating physical movement or making progress in general situations.

  • Let's move forward with the project tomorrow
  • Can we move forward in the meeting?
proceed

Formal contexts where you need to indicate continuation or to go ahead with something, often following an approval or instruction.

  • The judge gave permission to proceed with the trial
  • Please proceed to the next step after completing this task
progress

Situations highlighting positive development, improvement, or continuous advancement, used in both formal and informal contexts.

  • He has shown great progress in his studies
  • The project is progressing faster than we expected
advance

More formal situations or contexts where there is significant progress or development, often used in professional, academic, or technical settings.

  • The researchers hope to advance the understanding of this disease
  • The company plans to advance its technology by investing in new innovations

Examples of usage

  • Let's move forward with the meeting to discuss the next steps.
  • We need to move forward the deadline to complete the task on time.
Context #3 | Noun

general

The act of advancing or making progress.

Synonyms

advancement, progress, step forward.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
move forward

General phrase used when discussing making progress or advancing in various contexts, such as a project, plan, or personal goals. It indicates physical, mental, or situational progress.

  • We need to move forward with the project despite the challenges.
  • It's time to move forward and leave the past behind.
progress

Commonly used to describe ongoing improvement in a broad range of situations, including personal development, educational achievements, or societal changes. 'Progress' typically suggests continuous and measurable improvement.

  • She has made significant progress in her studies.
  • We need to ensure the progress of this initiative.
advancement

Often used in professional or academic contexts when discussing promotions, scientific discoveries, or technological improvements. It implies a significant step upward or forward in a structured manner.

  • Her recent promotion marks a major advancement in her career.
  • The recent advancements in technology have made our lives easier.
step forward

This term is often used to indicate a deliberate, potentially smaller action that contributes to a larger goal. It can be used in both literal and metaphorical senses and usually implies a positive, immediate action.

  • Volunteering to lead the committee is a big step forward for him.
  • Her proposal was seen as a step forward in solving the issue.

Examples of usage

  • We need to make a move forward in our relationship.
  • His promotion was a move forward in his career.

Translations

Translations of the word "move forward" in other languages:

🇵🇹 avançar

🇮🇳 आगे बढ़ना

🇩🇪 vorwärts bewegen

🇮🇩 maju

🇺🇦 рухатися вперед

🇵🇱 iść naprzód

🇯🇵 前進する (ぜんしんする)

🇫🇷 avancer

🇪🇸 avanzar

🇹🇷 ilerlemek

🇰🇷 앞으로 나아가다

🇸🇦 التقدم

🇨🇿 postoupit

🇸🇰 posunúť sa dopredu

🇨🇳 前进 (qiánjìn)

🇸🇮 premikati se naprej

🇮🇸 fara áfram

🇰🇿 ілгері жылжу

🇬🇪 წინ წასვლა

🇦🇿 irəliləmək

🇲🇽 avanzar

Etymology

The phrase 'move forward' originates from the combination of the verb 'move' and the adverb 'forward.' The concept of moving forward symbolizes progress, advancement, and a positive direction. It has been commonly used in English language to indicate the act of making progress or advancing in various aspects of life.