adv
Uncommon
onwards
Onwards (adv) means British spelling variant of onward, meaning continuing forward or from a point in time. Example: “From Monday onwards, the office will open an hour earlier.”
adv
1
British spelling variant of onward, meaning continuing forward or from a point in time.
"From Monday onwards, the office will open an hour earlier."
"Prices will go up from next spring onwards, so buy your ticket now."
"The road is narrow, but it widens from the bridge onwards."
How to use onwards
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSame meaning as "onward" — used more often in British English.
UK vs US
Common in British English; American English typically drops the final "s" and uses "onward."
Easily confused with
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From Monday _____, the office will open an hour earlier.
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Frequently asked questions
What does “onwards” mean?
The word “onwards” means british spelling variant of onward, meaning continuing forward or from a point in time. In plain terms, same meaning as "onward" — used more often in British English.
How do you use “onwards” in a sentence?
Here is “onwards” used in a sentence: “From Monday onwards, the office will open an hour earlier.”
What part of speech is “onwards”?
“Onwards” is an adverb.
Is “onwards” a common word?
“Onwards” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between "onwards" and "onward"?
"Onwards" is the British spelling variant, while "onward" is standard in American English; both mean continuing forward or from a point in time. In British English, "onwards" is used as the adverb, but "onward" still appears as the adjective (as in "onward progress") on both sides of the Atlantic.
How is "onwards" used with dates or times?
"Onwards" commonly follows a date, time, or age to mean from that point forward, as in "from 2020 onwards" or "ages 18 onwards." This construction signals an open-ended continuation rather than a fixed endpoint.
Is "onwards" formal or informal?
"Onwards" is neutral in register and appears in both everyday speech and formal writing across British English. It is not considered informal or slang.
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