adv
upwards
UHP-wuhdz
adv
1
Toward a higher position; up.
"The smoke drifted upwards through the trees."
"Prices have crept upwards steadily since spring."
2
To a greater figure, amount, or degree — often in the phrase "upwards of".
"The renovation will cost upwards of ten thousand pounds."
How to Use Upwards
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishMoving or pointing higher, or (with "of") at least a certain amount.
UK vs US
Both "upward" and "upwards" are used in British English; American English tends to prefer "upward" as the adjective and reserves "upwards" mainly for the adverb.
Common pairings
upwards of
drift upwards
creep upwards
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The smoke drifted _____ through the trees.
Etymology
From Old English upweardes, the same root as upward, with an added adverbial -s.