downwards
UK: ˈdaʊnwədz | US: ˈdaʊnwərdz
adv. in a direction from higher to lower
adv. toward a lower position or status
adv. extending or moving from an origin point downward
The word "downwards" combines "down," derived from Old English "dūne" (meaning "from a higher to a lower position"), with the suffix "-wards," from Old English "-weard" (indicating direction). The suffix "-wards" is related to the Proto-Germanic "*wardaz," meaning "turned toward." Together, they form a directional adverb emphasizing movement or orientation toward a lower position. The word has retained its core spatial meaning while also gaining metaphorical uses (e.g., "trending downwards").
The ball rolled downwards along the slope.
She glanced downwards at her notes during the speech.
The company’s profits have been moving downwards this quarter.
He adjusted the mirror to face slightly downwards.
The path led downwards into the valley.