downwards

Everyday

1. Downwards means towards a lower place or position. tree →
2. Downwards means going to a smaller number or amount. tree →

In the lessons

In maths, a graph may slope downwards when a number gets smaller; counting downwards goes from bigger to smaller. In science, gravity pulls things downwards. In PE and art, pupils point or draw downwards. Phrases: face downwards, slope downwards, from ... downwards.

Examples

• The ball rolled downwards to the bottom of the hill. tree →
• Gravity pulls things downwards. tree →
• Point your fingers downwards. tree →
• The line on the graph goes downwards. tree →
• The road slopes downwards to the river. tree →
• Lay the card face downwards. tree →
• Everyone from age 10 downwards gets in free. tree →
• The summit of the tree waved to and fro, and bent downwards as if in his silent longing he sought for something. tree →

Note

Downwards is more common in British English; downward is more common in American English as an adverb. Before a noun use downward: a downward slope. Opposite: upwards. In maths, a downward trend means the numbers are getting smaller.

In Jewish tradition

Interpretation: In Sefer Yetzirah the six directions are sealed with God's name; "down" is one of them, showing God's rule over all of space. In the primary lessons: In maths, a graph may slope downwards when a number gets smaller; counting downwards goes from bigger to smaller. In science, gravity pulls things downwards. In PE and art, pupils point or draw downwards. Phrases: face downwards, slope downwards, from ... downwards.

Examples

• Six—He sealed Below and faced downwards and sealed it with Yod-Waw-Heh. (Sefer Yetzirah, Sefaria community translation) tree →

Note

Downwards is more common in British English; downward is more common in American English as an adverb. Before a noun use downward: a downward slope. Opposite: upwards. In maths, a downward trend means the numbers are getting smaller.