upwards
UK: ˈʌpwədz | US: ˈʌpwərdz
adv. in a direction from lower to higher
adv. toward a higher level, position, or amount
adv. (archaic) toward the interior or source
The word "upwards" combines "up" (Old English ūp, meaning "higher") with the directional suffix "-ward" (Old English -weard, meaning "turning or facing toward"). The "-s" is an adverbial suffix common in Old and Middle English. The term originally emphasized physical direction but expanded metaphorically to denote progress or increase. Its structure reflects a straightforward Germanic compounding pattern, where spatial concepts are built from core roots and directional markers.
The balloon floated upwards into the sky.
She adjusted the mirror to direct light upwards.
Prices have been trending upwards this quarter.
The path led upwards through the mountain pass.
(Archaic) They journeyed upwards along the river to its source.