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Onward vs Upward - What's the difference?

onward | upward |

As adjectives the difference between onward and upward

is that onward is moving forward while upward is directed toward a higher place.

As adverbs the difference between onward and upward

is that onward is in a forward direction while upward is in a direction from lower to higher; toward a higher place; in a course toward the source or origin; -- opposed to downward; as, to tend or roll upward.

As a noun upward is

the upper part; the top.

onward

English

Adjective

(en-adj)
  • Moving forward.
  • There was an onward rush as the gates opened
  • Advanced in a forward direction or toward an end.
  • * Sir Philip Sidney
  • Within a while, Philoxenus came to see how onward the fruits were of his friend's labour.

    Adverb

    (-)
  • In a forward direction.
  • Onward Christian soldiers, marching as to war...

    Synonyms

    * onwards

    Anagrams

    *

    upward

    English

    Adverb

    (head)
  • In a direction from lower to higher; toward a higher place; in a course toward the source or origin; -- opposed to downward; as, to tend or roll upward.
  • * (Richard Hooker) (1554-1600)
  • Looking inward, we are stricken dumb; looking upward , we speak and prevail.
  • *, chapter=23
  • , title= The Mirror and the Lamp , passage=If the afternoon was fine they strolled together in the park, very slowly, and with pauses to draw breath wherever the ground sloped upward . The slightest effort made the patient cough.}}
  • In the upper parts; above.
  • * (John Milton) (1608-1674)
  • Dagon his name, sea monster, upward man, / And downward fish.
  • Yet more; indefinitely more; above; over.
  • * Bible, (w) i. 3.
  • From twenty years old and upward .

    Noun

    (-)
  • (obsolete) The upper part; the top.
  • From the extremest upward of thy head. -Shak.

    Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • Directed toward a higher place.
  • with upward''' eye; with '''upward course

    See also

    * upwards * upwards of * up

    Anagrams

    *