upward
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
adv.moving toward a higher position or level.
adv.in a direction from lower to higher; toward a higher place or position.
Simple“She looked upward at the tall buildings surrounding the square.”
In context“The smoke drifted upward through the narrow chimney, eventually dissipating into the cold night air.”
UsageIn American English, 'upward' is common as an adverb, whereas British English often prefers 'upwards'.
- 02 C1 Advanced
adv.used to say that an amount is more than the number mentioned.
adv.indicating a quantity or value that exceeds a specified limit; often used in the phrase 'upward of'.
Simple“The repairs will cost upward of five hundred dollars.”
In context“The charity gala successfully raised upward of two million pounds for the new children's wing.”
UsageTypically used with 'of' followed by a number or amount.
- 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
adj.moving or pointing toward a higher position.
adj.directed or moving toward a higher place, level, or value.
Simple“The path follows a steep upward slope toward the mountain peak.”
In context“The company reported a steady upward trend in sales throughout the final quarter of the fiscal year.”
“During a tree climb, a chimpanzee ankle can flex upward by about 45 degrees.”
“The design language has been the same now for three generations, all while prices continue to inch upward.”
From Old English upweardes, equivalent to up + -ward.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.