ENGLISH
REFERENCE

onward

adv. time
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈɔnwɝd// UK //ˈɒnwəd// on·ward

adv. moving forward in space or continuing further in time. You use it to show that something keeps going from a specific point.

adv. moving forward in a continuing direction or continuing from a particular point in time.


SIMPLE

The path leads onward through the forest.

CONTEXTUAL

From the 19th century onward, the city experienced rapid industrial growth and a massive increase in population.

COMPLEX

The explorers pushed onward despite the thinning air, determined to reach the summit before the seasonal storms made the descent impossible.

Synonyms
Origin

From on + -ward.

Usage

Often paired with 'from' when referring to time ('from then onward'); typically placed after the verb or time expression.

Pitfall

onwards from nowfrom now onwardWhile 'onward' and 'onwards' are often interchangeable, the preposition 'from' should precede the time reference rather than the adverb.

Idioms1 entry

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