What does the suffix '-ward' mean?

• A. Direction
• B. Past tense
• C. Position held
• D. Relating to direction

Answer: (D)

The suffix -ward signals movement or orientation toward something. It turns a word into an adjective or adverb that describes being in the direction of a place or thing, rather than naming the direction itself or indicating tense or a role. Think of eastward, northward, or homeward—each means “in the direction of” that place. So this suffix expresses relating to direction, not the direction itself, not past tense, and not a position held. That’s why the best choice is “relating to direction.”