toward（prep.）
toward（adj.）
Old English toweard, "forthcoming, future, yet to come," from to (see to (prep.)) + -ward. By c. 1300 as "benevolent," also "yielding, pliant," hence "docile, in a state of submission," perhaps on the notion of "aiming, intending to reach," hence "willing to learn from or serve."
Compare froward "away from," hence "turned against, disobedient; adverse, difficult," forward (adj.) "early, in front," hence in a derogatory sense "over-helpful, presumptuous, impertinent." Also compare untoward, which was in Bible translations and continues in use.
Modern toward as "favorable, propitious" is attested by 1850, marked rare in OED, and probably a back-formation from untoward. Related: Towardness; towardly "in an obliging manner" (mid-15c.); "likely to lead to a desired result" (1510s); towardliness.