Word
upward
Phoneticsup·ward, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈəpwɝd/
UK/ˈʌpwəd/
In Japanese
upper; upward
Japanese from JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0. All sources.
Definitions
01toward a higher place
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.
“She looked upward at the tall buildings surrounding the square.”
“The smoke drifted upward through the narrow chimney, eventually dissipating into the cold night air.”
Usage
In American English, 'upward' is common as an adverb, whereas British English often prefers 'upwards'.
Antonyms
02more than a certain amount
C1 · Advanced Formal
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'.
“The repairs will cost upward of five hundred dollars.”
“The charity gala successfully raised upward of two million pounds for the new children's wing.”
Usage
Typically used with 'of' followed by a number or amount.
Antonyms
03moving or pointing up
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. moving or pointing toward a higher position.
adj. directed or moving toward a higher place, level, or value.
“The path follows a steep upward slope toward the mountain peak.”
“The company reported a steady upward trend in sales throughout the final quarter of the fiscal year.”
Antonyms
Real-World Examples
“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.” Etymology
From Old English upweardes, equivalent to up + -ward.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Idioms
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944EikenEikenTest in Practical English ProficiencyThe English proficiency test from the Eiken Foundation of Japan, widely taken by Japanese students. Grades run from 5 to 1, with Pre-1 and Pre-2 between them.Pre-1
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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