How Do You Spell LEFTWARD?

Pronunciation: [lˈɛftwəd] (IPA)

The word "leftward" is spelled using the /lɛftwərd/ IPA phonetic transcription. It starts with the sound of the consonant "l", which is followed by the short "e" vowel sound. Then, it is followed by the consonant cluster "ft", which is pronounced together. The fourth sound is "w", followed by another schwa sound. Lastly, "rd" is pronounced together as a consonant cluster. "Leftward" is used to describe movement or direction to the left side.

LEFTWARD Meaning and Definition

1. Leftward is an adverb used to describe movement, position, or direction towards the left side, which is opposite to the right. It signifies the act of turning, shifting, or inclining towards the left in a horizontal or lateral sense. Leftward is often used to determine the movements or locations of objects, individuals, or entities, emphasizing their deviation from a central or rightward point of reference.

   In a political context, leftward refers to a tendency or inclination towards the left-wing or progressive ideologies, policies, or practices. It pertains to movements, parties, or individuals advocating for social equality, collective ownership, and governmental intervention in economic affairs to achieve social justice and public welfare.

   In terms of spatial orientation, leftward is commonly employed alongside other directional terms, such as forward, backward, upward, or downward, to specify and provide more precise instructions or indications of movement. It plays a crucial role in guiding navigation, providing information on how to go or position oneself in relation to a particular reference point.

   Moreover, leftward can be applied figuratively to describe a deviation or shift in a certain characteristic, quality, or occurrence towards a more liberal, progressive, or radical standpoint. It encompasses various domains, from cultural shifts and societal changes to changes in viewpoints within an individual or group.

Common Misspellings for LEFTWARD

• softward
• leftand
• aftward
• awftward
• leftwared
• leftwardd

Etymology of LEFTWARD

The word "leftward" is formed from the combination of two elements: "left" and "-ward".

"Left" originated from the Old English word "læft", which meant "weak" or "reluctant". In the context of direction, "left" referred to the side opposite to right. The word "left" can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "*leftaz". Interestingly, "*leftaz" is derived from the Indo-European root "*laiwo-", meaning "left" or "weak".

The suffix "-ward" is used to indicate movement or direction. It is derived from the Old English word "-weard", ultimately stemming from the Proto-Germanic language. The "-ward" suffix has a wide range of applications, commonly seen in words like "backward", "toward", and "forward".