The word "downward" spelled in IPA phonetic transcription is /ˈdaʊnwərd/. This word consists of two syllables: "down" and "ward". The first syllable, "down", is pronounced as /daʊn/ using the diphthong /aʊ/ and the consonant sound /n/. The second syllable, "ward", is pronounced as /wərd/ with the vowel sound /ə/ and the consonant sound /r/ with the silent letter "d". "Downward" means moving or pointing towards a lower position or level.
Downward is an adverb that describes movement or direction that extends from a higher position or level to a lower position or level. It signifies a clear downward trajectory or path. It can be visualized as moving or going downwards in a vertical or descending manner.
In a literal sense, downward refers to physical motion or displacement that is oriented towards the ground or a lower point. It suggests a decline, descent, or a decrease in height, elevation, or position. For example, objects falling from a height experience downward motion as they descend towards the ground.
Figuratively, downward can be used to depict non-physical concepts, such as abstract trends, emotions, or changes. It can represent a negative or unfavorable direction, indicating a decline, deterioration, or regression. For instance, economic indicators or stock market prices that exhibit a downward trend reflect a decrease in value or performance.
Downward can also describe a spatial orientation or arrangement that tilts or slopes towards a lower point. It can illustrate a downward slope, incline, or angle. For instance, a road that slopes downward allows vehicles to descend or move in a downward direction.
Overall, downward refers to motion, direction, or orientation that moves or points from a higher level or position to a lower level or position, whether in a literal or figurative sense.
Extending from a higher to a lower state or place; tending towards the earth.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "downward" comes from the combination of two Old English words: "dune" which means "down" or "from a higher to a lower place", and "weard" which means "towards" or "in the direction of". These words eventually merged to form "duneweard", which later evolved into "downward" through various linguistic changes.