How Do You Spell DOWNWARD?

Pronunciation: [dˈa͡ʊnwəd] (IPA)

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 Meaning and Definition

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

Top Common Misspellings for DOWNWARD *

* 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.

Other Common Misspellings for DOWNWARD

Etymology of DOWNWARD

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.

Idioms with the word DOWNWARD

  • be on an upward/downward trajectory The idiom "be on an upward/downward trajectory" refers to the direction or path that someone or something is taking, typically with regard to progress, success, or improvement. When someone or something is on an upward trajectory, it means they are steadily progressing or improving. Conversely, when someone or something is on a downward trajectory, it means they are deteriorating, declining, or experiencing setbacks.

Similar spelling words for DOWNWARD

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