downward
UK: ˈdaʊnwəd | US: ˈdaʊnwərd
adj. moving or pointing toward a lower place or level
adv. in a direction from higher to lower
The word "downward" combines "down," derived from Old English dūne (meaning "from the hill," later generalized to "lower position"), and the suffix "-ward," from Old English -weard, indicating direction or orientation. The suffix is related to the Proto-Germanic warthaz ("turned toward"). Together, they form a directional term that has been used since Middle English to describe movement or orientation toward a lower position.
The bird flew downward to land on the branch.
She pointed downward to show where the keys had fallen.
The economic trend has been moving downward for months.
He adjusted the mirror to face slightly downward.
The path slopes downward toward the river.