adv
Uncommon
upwards
UHP-wuhdz
Upwards (adv) means Toward a higher position; up. Example: “The smoke drifted upwards through the trees.”
adv
1
Toward a higher position; up.
"The smoke drifted upwards through the trees."
"Prices have crept upwards steadily since spring."
"She looked upwards and saw a kite floating over the rooftops."
2
To a greater figure, amount, or degree — often in the phrase "upwards of".
"The renovation will cost upwards of ten thousand pounds."
"Upwards of fifty people turned up to help clean the park."
"The journey takes upwards of six hours without any stops."
How to use upwards
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishMoving or pointing higher, or (with "of") at least a certain amount.
UK vs US
Both "upward" and "upwards" are used in British English; American English tends to prefer "upward" as the adjective and reserves "upwards" mainly for the adverb.
Common pairings
upwards of
drift upwards
creep upwards
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Etymology
From Old English upweardes, the same root as upward, with an added adverbial -s.
Synonyms
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Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “upwards” mean?
The word “upwards” means toward a higher position; up. In plain terms, moving or pointing higher, or (with "of") at least a certain amount.
How do you pronounce “upwards”?
“Upwards” is pronounced UHP-wuhdz (/ˈʌpwɚdz/ in IPA).
How do you use “upwards” in a sentence?
Here is “upwards” used in a sentence: “The smoke drifted upwards through the trees.”
What is another word for “upwards”?
Words with a similar meaning to “upwards” include upward and up.
What is the opposite of “upwards”?
The opposite of “upwards” — its antonyms — are downward and down.
What part of speech is “upwards”?
“Upwards” is an adverb.
Where does the word “upwards” come from?
The word “upwards” comes from Old English. From Old English upweardes, the same root as upward, with an added adverbial -s.
Is “upwards” a common word?
“Upwards” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between "upwards" and "upward"?
"Upwards" and "upward" both describe movement toward a higher position, but "upwards" is more common in British English, while American English favors "upward." As an adjective, only "upward" is standard, as in "an upward glance."
Is "upwards" used for both physical direction and quantity?
Yes, "upwards" describes physical movement toward a higher position, such as "looking upwards," and also describes an increase in figure or degree, especially in the phrase "upwards of," as in "upwards of fifty guests."
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