I. ˈəp-wərd adverb
or up·wards -wərdz
Date: before 12th century
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
II. adjective
Date: 15th century
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