downward
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
adj.moving or pointing toward the ground or a lower position.
adj.directed or moving toward a lower physical level or position.
Simple“The hikers followed a steep downward path toward the valley floor.”
In context“The downward slope of the mountain became increasingly treacherous as the loose gravel shifted under the climbers' boots.”
UsageUsually placed before the noun it describes.
SynonymsAntonyms - 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
adj.showing a decrease in amount, quality, or price.
adj.indicating a trend toward a lower price, value, or level of quality.
Simple“The company is worried about the downward trend in sales this year.”
In context“Economists observed a significant downward pressure on interest rates following the central bank's unexpected policy announcement.”
- 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
adv.toward a lower place or level.
adv.toward a lower physical position, hierarchy, or value.
Simple“She looked downward to avoid making eye contact with the crowd.”
In context“The eagle spiralled downward, its eyes fixed intently on the movement in the tall grass below.”
UsageIn British English, 'downwards' is often preferred for the adverbial use, while 'downward' is more common in American English.
Teacher's tipNote that 'downward' is the standard adjective form in all dialects, but the adverbial form varies between 'downward' and 'downwards' or 'downwards'.
PitfallHe looked downwardly at his shoes. He looked downward at his shoes.The word 'downward' already functions as an adverb; 'downwardly' is rarely used and often considered incorrect in this context.
Usage downward trend
From down + -ward.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.