upward
/ˈʌpwərd/
adjective
Origin
Old English
uppweard — in the direction of up
Overview
Meaning Now
- Directed or moving towards a higher place, level, or position.
- Higher in value, amount, or rank.
Literal older meaning
In the direction of 'up' (high/above).
Language path
Proto-Germanic → Old English → English
Earliest form
upward
Earliest period
Middle English
Journey
The suffix '-ward' (from Old English '-weard') is a productive Germanic formation used to indicate direction. It is cognate with the Old English 'weorthan' (to become), reflecting a sense of 'turning towards' a specific goal or location.
Evolution
- Old English
upweard
“directed towards the high”
Compound of 'up' + '-weard'.
- Middle English
upward
“moving towards a higher position”
Standardization of spelling.
- Early Modern English
upward
“directed towards a higher position or rank”
Connections
Word parts
up
root
up/high
ward
suffix
in the direction of
Related across languages
German
aufwärts
upwards
Dutch
opwaarts
upwards
Explore next
Related to upward
External references use DefinedTerm semantics.