upward

The word “upward” means moving from a lower position to a higher one. In plain terms, going up, or aimed toward something higher — used for movement, trends, and figures alike.

“Upward” is pronounced UHP-wuhd (/ˈʌpwɚd/ in IPA).

Here is “upward” used in a sentence: “The balloon drifted slowly upward.”

Words with a similar meaning to “upward” include cloudwards, up and upwards.

The opposite of “upward” — its antonyms — are down and downwards.

Depending on how it is used, “upward” can be an adverb and an adjective.

The word “upward” comes from Old English. From Old English upweardes, from up + -weard ("-ward," meaning "in the direction of").

“Upward” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.

"Upward" and "upwards" mean the same thing, both describing movement toward a higher position, but "upward" is more common in American English while "upwards" is more common in British English. "Upward" is also the standard adjective form, as in "an upward trend."

Yes, "upward" functions as an adverb describing movement from a lower to a higher position, as in "the balloon floated upward," and as an adjective directed toward a higher place or level, as in "an upward glance."

"Upward trend," "upward spiral," and "upward mobility" are frequent collocations, all describing movement or change toward a higher level, whether literal or figurative.