upward
UK: ˈʌpwəd | US: ˈʌpwərd
adj. directed or moving toward a higher place or position
adv. in a direction from lower to higher
The word "upward" combines the Old English root "up," meaning "higher" or "aloft," with the suffix "-ward," derived from Old English "-weard," indicating direction or orientation. This construction follows a straightforward pattern in English where directional adverbs are formed by adding "-ward" to a base word (e.g., "downward," "forward"). The logic is transparent: "up" defines the spatial axis, and "-ward" specifies movement along it. Historically, "-ward" evolved from Proto-Germanic *-warthaz, related to turning or facing, which reinforces its directional function.
The balloon floated upward into the sky.
She glanced upward at the towering building.
The path slopes upward toward the summit.
Economic trends are showing an upward trajectory.
He adjusted the mirror to reflect light upward.