What is upward? Pronunciation and usage in English

upward means . Learn how to pronounce and use upward through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of upward

upwardadverb

/ˈʌpwəd/
Definition & pronunciation of upward

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "upward" in English. Here's a breakdown with phonetic guidance:

1. Phonetic Transcription (IPA - International Phonetic Alphabet):

/ˌʌpˈwɜːrd/ (This is the most accurate way to represent the sound)

2. Breakdown and Explanation:

  • ʌp: This is like the "up" in "cup" or "cupboard." It's a short, open vowel sound. Your tongue is relatively low in your mouth.
  • ˈwɜːrd: This is the trickier part!
    • w: Pronounced as a 'w' as in "water" (a brief, buzzing sound).
    • ɜː: This is the "er" sound, but it's a diphthong – it's a combination of two vowel sounds blending together. It's roughly like the "er" in "bird" or "hurt." Think of it as starting with a slightly lower, more rounded “uh” sound and then gliding upwards.
    • rd: These are pronounced as a single sound, similar to the "rd" in "hard."

3. How to say it (Step-by-step):

  1. Start with the "up" sound: "Up" – /ʌp/
  2. Add the “er” sound: Follow that with the "er" sound – /ˈwɜːrd/
  3. Blend it together: Say both parts smoothly – “Up-wurrd.”

4. Tips for Pronunciation:

  • Stress: The emphasis is on the second syllable ("wurrd"). That's why it's written with a prime symbol (ˈ) indicating primary stress.
  • Listen to Examples: The best way to learn is to hear it pronounced correctly. Here are some resources:
    • Google Translate: Type "upward" into Google Translate and click the speaker icon.
    • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/upward/ - This website lets you hear native speakers from different countries pronounce the word.
    • YouTube: Search for "how to pronounce upward" on YouTube. You'll find many videos.

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Give you another similar word?

Usage and examples with the word upward in English

Let's break down how to use the word "upward" in English. It's often confused with "up," but it has a more specific meaning, primarily relating to movement or direction toward something higher.

1. As an Adverb (describing movement):

  • Meaning: Moving or progressing in a direction towards something higher, taller, or better.
  • Examples:
    • "The climber moved upward along the rock face." (Moving higher)
    • “The prices are trending upward.” (Increasing)
    • "The student’s confidence grew upward throughout the semester." (Improving)
    • "He gestured upward to indicate a higher level." (Pointing upward)

2. As an Adjective (describing direction or position):

  • Meaning: Directional, pointing or situated towards something higher.
  • Examples:
    • “The window offered an upward view of the city.” (A view looking upwards)
    • “The plant grew upward towards the sunlight.” (Growing in an upwards direction)
    • “They received an upward appraisal of their performance.” (A positive evaluation indicating improvement)

3. Phrases with "Upward":

  • Upward trend: A gradual increase over time (as in "the stock market is experiencing an upward trend").
  • Upward mobility: Improvement in social or economic status.
  • Upward-looking: Optimistic, hopeful, looking towards the future. ("He had an upward-looking attitude.")
  • Upwardly mobile: Someone who is rising in social or economic status.

Here’s a breakdown of common situations where you’d use “upward” vs. “up”:

Word Meaning Example
Up General upward movement "Walk up the stairs."
Upward Specifically higher "The value increased upward."

Tips for Using “Upward” Correctly:

  • Think about direction: "Upward" emphasizes the direction of movement or the position towards something higher.
  • It’s more formal: "Upward" is generally considered more formal than “up.” You’ll often find it in writing or more serious conversations.

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What kind of context are you thinking about using "upward" in? (e.g., describing a graph, talking about someone's career, describing a physical movement?)

Synonyms for the word upward

Practice with vocabulary upward

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The architect designed the new building with an _________ spiral staircase connecting all floors.
  2. Following the CEO's encouraging speech, employee morale began to move _________ across all departments.
  3. During the recent market analysis, financial experts noted a significant _________ shift in consumer preferences.
  4. The team's efforts were focused _________ on completing the critical project milestones by the deadline.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which of the following actions typically involve an _________ movement? (Multiple correct answers may apply) A. Descending a ladder B. Lifting a heavy box C. Digging a trench D. Launching a rocket

  2. The company's CEO expressed optimism about the long-term _________ trajectory of the new venture. (Multiple correct answers may apply) A. rising B. ascending C. upward D. stationary

  3. When a hot air balloon takes off, its initial direction of travel is primarily _________. A. backward B. upward C. sideways D. downward

  4. To _________ the team's efficiency, the manager implemented a new task management system. (Multiple correct answers may apply) A. streamline B. elevate C. diminish D. hinder

  5. The recent policy changes are designed to _________ economic growth and create more opportunities. (Multiple correct answers may apply) A. stimulate B. curtail C. foster D. impede

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The stock market has been experiencing significant growth recently. (Rewrite using "upward" or a related word form.)
  2. When you look towards the ceiling, you can see the intricate design. (Rewrite using "upward" or a related word form.)
  3. The project's budget was greatly increased after the mid-year review. (Rewrite using a suitable replacement word, not "upward" or a related form.)

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. upward
  2. upward
  3. downward
  4. solely (or primarily)

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. B. Lifting a heavy box, D. Launching a rocket
  2. A. rising, B. ascending, C. upward
  3. B. upward
  4. A. streamline, B. elevate
  5. A. stimulate, C. foster

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The stock market has been experiencing a significant upward trend recently.
  2. If you gaze upward, you can see the intricate design on the ceiling.
  3. The project's budget was significantly augmented after the mid-year review.

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