upward

¹up·ward

adverb \ˈəp-wərd\

: from a lower place or level to a higher place or level

: toward the ceiling, sky, etc.

: toward a higher or better condition or position

Full Definition of UPWARD

1

a :  in a direction from lower to higher <the kite rose upward>

b (1) :  toward the source (as of a river) (2) :  toward the interior (as of a region)

c :  in a higher position <held out his hand, palm upward>

d :  in the upper parts :  toward the head :  above <from the waist upward>

2

:  toward a higher or better condition or level <young lawyers moving upward>

3

a :  to an indefinitely greater amount, figure, or rank <from $5 upward>

b :  toward a greater amount or higher number, degree, or rate <attendance figures have risen upward>

4

:  toward or into later years <from youth upward>

Variants of UPWARD

up·ward or up·wards \-wərdz\

Examples of UPWARD

1. The road gradually rose upward.
2. She directed my gaze upward.
3. They are moving upward socially and economically.
4. moving upward in the corporate world

First Known Use of UPWARD

before 12th century

²upward

adjective

: moving or going from a lower place or level to a higher place or level

: moving or going toward the ceiling, sky, etc.

: changing to a larger amount or higher number

Full Definition of UPWARD

1

:  directed toward or situated in a higher place or level :  ascending

2

:  rising to a higher pitch

— up·ward·ly adverb

— up·ward·ness noun

Examples of UPWARD

1. an upward revision of the vote tally

First Known Use of UPWARD

15th century