adverb / adjective
downward
Toward a lower position or level.
The trail slopes downward as it approaches the river.
Etymology
The directional ending -ward adds orientation to down. The word describes movement or alignment toward a lower position, whether physical or on an abstract scale.
More examples
- She points downward at the footprints in the snow.
- A downward arrow marks the stairs to the basement.
- Fuel prices continue their downward trend this week.
Forms
downward
Similar words
- down
- Often points toward the ground or a lower floor.
- descending
- Describes something moving or sloping from higher to lower.