How Do You Spell HEAVENWARD?

Pronunciation: [hˈɛvənwəd] (IPA)

Heavenward is spelled with the letter "w" despite being pronounced as if it were spelled with a "d". The IPA phonetic transcription for this word is /ˈhɛvənwərd/. The "w" represents the historic pronunciation of the word, which was originally "heveneward" in Middle English. Over time, the "w" sound became pronounced like a "v" sound in English, but the spelling remained the same. This is a common occurrence in English spelling, which can be traced back to the pronunciation shifts that have occurred over the language's history.

HEAVENWARD Meaning and Definition

1. Heavenward is an adverb that refers to the direction towards heaven or the celestial realm. This term is a combination of two words: "heaven," meaning the dwelling place of the divine entities or the spiritual world, and the suffix "-ward," used to indicate a direction or movement towards a specific place. Therefore, heavenward describes an upward or elevated movement targeting or directed towards heaven.

   In its literal sense, heavenward can be used to describe physical movements, such as looking, gazing, or reaching upwards towards the sky or celestial objects. It can also represent figurative motions, such as aspiring or striving towards spiritual or moral elevation. For example, someone who is on a spiritual journey may describe their actions as heavenward, indicating their desire to attain a higher spiritual state or to draw closer to godliness.

   Additionally, heavenward can be used metaphorically to describe an emotional or mental inclination. This could be seen in phrases like "my thoughts drift heavenward," suggesting that one's mind is preoccupied with thoughts of the divine or spiritual matters.

   Overall, heavenward is a term that encompasses both literal and metaphorical movements towards heaven or a higher spiritual plane, denoting a direction that is vertically upwards.

2. Toward heaven.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for HEAVENWARD

• geavenward
• beavenward
• neavenward
• jeavenward
• ueavenward
• yeavenward
• hwavenward
• hsavenward
• hdavenward
• hravenward
• h4avenward
• h3avenward
• hezvenward
• hesvenward
• hewvenward
• heqvenward
• heacenward
• heabenward
• heavenwrad
• hevaenwardly
• heavenwardly

Etymology of HEAVENWARD

The word heavenward is derived from Old English sources. It combines the word heaven, meaning the dwelling place of God or the gods, with the suffix -ward, indicating a direction or movement towards. Therefore, heavenward literally means toward heaven or in the direction of heaven.

Similar spelling words for HEAVENWARD

• heavenwards,
• Havener,
• heavenwardly,
• Heavner,
• Heavener.