towardly

[tawrd-lee, tohrd-]

adjective

Archaic.

1. apt to learn; promising.

2. docile; tractable.

3. propitious; seasonable.

towardly

/ ˈtəʊədlɪ /

adjective

1. compliant

2. propitious or suitable

Other Word Forms

• towardliness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of towardly¹

First recorded in 1475–85; toward + -ly

Example Sentences

The Lady afterwardes when shee had intelligence of the good, and gaynefull Spinning of the Lord Alberto, and the wel disposed, and towardly Reeling of the Lord Vladislao, greatly reioyced for makinge of sutch two Notable Workemen, whose workemanship exceeded the labours of them that had been Apprentyzes to the Occupation seuen Yeares togeather.

From Project Gutenberg

Euphues" himself, the author says:—"My hope springs out of three stems—your Honours' naturall benignitie; your able emploiment of such servitours; and the towardly like-lie-hood of this springall to do you honest service.

From Project Gutenberg

The men besides were very courteous, and the women very towardly; and they made Keola welcome, and built him a house, and gave him a wife; and, what surprised him the most, he was never sent to work with the young men.

From Project Gutenberg

Docile and towardly during his seven- or nine-mile stage, he refused to perform more than his allotted task. 

From Project Gutenberg

She was very towardly and lenient in her behaviour; she led him on to make pleasantries, and then applauded him to the echo; and in a very short time, between blandishments 45 and a liberal exhibition of warm brandy, she had not only induced him to fancy himself in love, but to declare his passion with the greatest vehemence.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• appropriate 
• convenient 
• prompt 
• proper 
• up-to-date 
• up-to-the-minute