Upwards
/ˈʌpwərdz/
Meaning & Definition
adverb
Towards a higher place or position.
The balloon floated upwards into the sky.
In a direction that is higher.
She looked upwards to see the stars.
In an increasing manner.
Sales figures have been trending upwards for the past three months.
Toward a better or improved state.
Their relationship has been improving upwards since they started communicating more.
Etymology
The word 'upwards' originated from the combination of 'up' and the adjectival suffix '-wards', which denotes direction.
Common Phrases and Expressions
look upwards
to gaze toward the sky or a higher position.
rise upwards
to increase or ascend in level or position.
upwards of
more than; in excess of.
Related Words
up
to move from a lower to a higher position.
elevation
the height above a given level, especially sea level.
ascent
the act of rising or climbing to a higher position.
Slang Meanings
On the rise
With the new strategy in place, profits are on the rise.
Climbing the ladder
He's climbing the ladder in the company quickly.