downward

Everyday

1. Downward means moving or pointing towards a lower place. tree →
2. Downward means going down in amount, as in a downward trend. tree →

In the lessons

In maths graphs a downward line shows decreasing numbers; in science gravity pulls things downward. Phrases: «a downward slope», «a downward trend», «face downward», «downward spiral».

Examples

• The ball rolled downward. tree →
• The path slopes downward to the beach. tree →
• Gravity pulls objects downward. tree →
• The graph shows a downward trend in sales. tree →
• Lie face downward on the mat. tree →
• Prices are moving downward this month. tree →
• Still the young man moved slowly downward. tree →

Note

As an adverb, UK usually says «downwards», US «downward»; before a noun always «downward»: «a downward slope». Opposite: upward(s). Maths: a downward line on a graph means decreasing.

In Jewish tradition

Interpretation: Ecclesiastes asks whether the human spirit goes up and the beast's goes down; tradition teaches that the soul returns to God while the body returns to dust. In the primary lessons: In maths graphs a downward line shows decreasing numbers; in science gravity pulls things downward. Phrases: «a downward slope», «a downward trend», «face downward», «downward spiral».

Examples

• And the remnant that is escaped of the house of Judah shall again take root downward, and bear fruit upward. (Prophets 2KI.19.30, JPS 1917) tree →
• Who knoweth the spirit of man whether it goeth upward, and the spirit of the beast whether it goeth downward to the earth? (Writings ECC.3.21, JPS 1917) tree →
• Then I beheld, and lo a likeness as the appearance of fire: from the appearance of his loins and downward, fire; and from his loins and upward, as the appearance of brightness, as the colour of electrum. (Prophets EZK.8.2, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

As an adverb, UK usually says «downwards», US «downward»; before a noun always «downward»: «a downward slope». Opposite: upward(s). Maths: a downward line on a graph means decreasing.