upward
upward Lexical Profile
upward Game Scores & Validity
• adjective
Moving, directed, or pointing toward a higher place, position, or level.
"The climbers began their slow upward journey toward the mountain summit."
Increasing or advancing in amount, value, status, or rank.
"Economists noted a steady upward trend in consumer confidence this quarter."
• adverb
Toward a higher place, point, or level.
"She glanced upward at the dark clouds gathering in the sky."
To a higher price, amount, age, or rank.
"The company revised its annual revenue forecast upward after strong holiday sales."
Word Nuance & Usage
As an adjective, 'upward' is the standard form across both American and British English (e.g., 'an upward trend'). As an adverb, 'upward' is preferred in American English, whereas 'upwards' is more common in British English.
Word Origin & Etymology
From Old English 'upweard', formed from 'up' (up) + '-weard' (in the direction of), of Proto-Germanic origin.