Forwardness

2 definitions found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [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]

From WordNet (r) 2.0 [wn]:

  forwardness
       n : offensive assertiveness [syn: {bumptiousness}, {cockiness},
           {pushiness}]