Words / A2

UPW-uh-dz/ˈʌpwədz/

Upwards means towards a higher place: climb upwards, look upwards, from £10 upwards. British English prefers upwards; American English often uses upward. Downwards is the opposite. Up is shorter and very common. Do not write upwards when you mean afterwards, or inward.

Meaning

Towards a higher place.

Examples

• “The path climbs upwards through the trees.”
• “House prices have moved upwards this year.”
• “The kite drifted upwards and disappeared into cloud.”

Good to know

climb / look upwards (British). US cousin: upward. Opposite: downwards. Mix-up: afterwards.

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