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upwards

adv. place
B2 Upper Intermediate Oxford US //ˈəpwɝdz// UK //ˈʌpwədz// up·wards General-service

adv. moving or looking toward a higher place or position. You can also use it to describe a number or amount that is increasing.

adv. moving toward a higher place, point, or level; in a direction away from the ground or a lower surface. Often used to indicate an upward trend or a value exceeding a specific threshold.


SIMPLE

She looked upwards at the tall buildings.

CONTEXTUAL

The company expects its profits to trend upwards as the new product gains popularity in international markets.

COMPLEX

The smoke drifted upwards through the canopy, disappearing into the thick morning mist that hung over the valley floor.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Origin

From Middle English upwardes, from Old English upweardes, equivalent to up + -wards. Cognate with Dutch opwaarts (“upwards”), German aufwärts (“upwards”).

Usage

Typically placed after the verb of motion or at the end of the clause. When used to mean 'more than', it is often followed by 'of'.

Pitfall

He looked upwardly at the skyHe looked upwards at the sky'Upwards' is the adverb of direction; 'upwardly' is usually restricted to the fixed phrase 'upwardly mobile'.

Idioms2 entries

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