Onward vs. Upward — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 16, 2024
Onward implies movement or progress forward in time or space, focusing on continuation; upward denotes a direction moving toward a higher position, emphasizing vertical ascent.
Difference Between Onward and Upward
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Onward describes a motion or progression in a forward direction, often associated with a journey or a sequence of events, whereas upward specifically refers to movement in a vertical direction, typically towards a higher point. Both terms suggest progress but differ in their spatial orientation.
Onward can be used metaphorically to denote moving forward in non-physical contexts, such as in a project or towards a goal, while upward is frequently used to describe literal or figurative rise, such as an increase in status or improvement in conditions. This distinction highlights the versatile usage of onward beyond physical movement compared to the more physically constrained upward.
In literature and everyday language, onward is often part of phrases that inspire action and continuation, such as "moving onward," suggesting a persistent journey. Conversely, upward can be found in contexts that emphasize improvement or escalation, like "upward mobility," focusing on vertical success and advancement.
When considering temporal aspects, onward implies a continuity over time, which can be indefinite and ongoing, whereas upward does not inherently convey a time element but strictly the direction of movement. This difference underlines onward's utility in narratives of ongoing processes versus the more instantaneous or static implication of upward.
Onward and upward are frequently combined in motivational contexts, as in "onward and upward," where onward amplifies the aspect of continuous progression and upward adds the notion of achieving higher levels. This combination showcases how the two can complement each other to denote a journey of improvement and advancement.
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Comparison Chart
Meaning
Refers to progression in a forward direction
Denotes movement toward a higher position
Usage Context
Can be physical or metaphorical
Often physical, sometimes metaphorical
Associated Phrases
"moving onward", "onward we go"
"upward mobility", "upward trend"
Connotation
Suggests continuation and forward motion
Implies ascent and elevation
Spatial Orientation
Forward, can be horizontal or metaphorical
Vertically higher
Compare with Definitions
Onward
Progressing in a non-physical sense towards a more advanced state or stage.
Onward in her career, she adopted new strategies.
Upward
Relating to a higher part or position.
He looked upward towards the mountaintop.
Onward
Used to signify moving forward from a certain point in time.
From that day onward, the policy was changed.
Upward
Increasing in size, amount, or degree.
Sales have been trending upward this quarter.
Onward
Pertaining to moving ahead in a narrative or sequence.
The story develops onward from the climax with great suspense.
Upward
Moving or directing towards a higher point or position.
The balloon floated upward into the clear sky.
Onward
Moving forward or continuing in a particular direction.
The explorers moved onward, despite the harsh weather.
Upward
Aimed or directed up.
Her eyes moved upward as she thought about the answer.
Onward
Encouraging continuation of some action or task.
The captain shouted, Onward, soldiers!
Upward
In, to, or toward a higher place, level, or position
Flying upward.
Onward
In a continuing forward direction; ahead
She stumbled onward
Upward
Toward a higher position in a hierarchy or on a socioeconomic scale
A young executive moving upward fast.
Onward
(of a journey) continuing or moving forward
Informing passengers where to change for their onward journey
The onward march of history
Upward
Toward the head or upper parts
Bare from the waist upward.
Onward
Moving or tending forward.
Upward
Toward a higher amount, degree, or rank
Prices soared upward.
Onward
In a direction or toward a position that is ahead in space or time; forward.
Upward
Toward a later time or age
From adolescence upward.
Onward
(not comparable) Moving forward.
There was an onward rush as the gates opened.
Upward
Directed toward a higher place or position
Upward movement.
Onward
Advanced in a forward direction or toward an end.
Upward
In a direction from lower to higher; toward a higher place; in a course toward the source or origin
We ran upward
Onward
In a forward direction.
Upward
In the upper parts; above.
Onward
To keep going; to progress or persevere.
Upward
Yet more; indefinitely more; above; over.
Onward
Moving in a forward direction; tending toward a contemplated or desirable end; forward; as, an onward course, progress, etc.
Upward
(obsolete) The upper part; the top.
Onward
Advanced in a forward direction or toward an end.
Within a while, Philoxenus came to see how onward the fruits were of his friend's labor.
Upward
Directed toward a higher place.
With upward eye; with upward course
Onward
Toward a point before or in front; forward; progressively; as, to move onward.
Not one looks backward, onward still he goes.
Upward
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.
Looking inward, we are stricken dumb; looking upward, we speak and prevail.
Onward
Moving toward a position ahead;
Forward motion
The onward course of events
Upward
In the upper parts; above.
Dagon his name, sea monster, upward man,And down ward fish.
Onward
Forward in time or order or degree;
From that time forth
From the sixth century onward
Upward
Yet more; indefinitely more; above; over.
From twenty years old and upward.
I have been your wife in this obedienceUpward of twenty years.
Onward
In a forward direction;
Go ahead
The train moved ahead slowly
The boat lurched ahead
Moved onward into the forest
They went slowly forward in the mud
Upward
Directed toward a higher place; as, with upward eye; with upward course.
Upward
The upper part; the top.
From the extremest upward of thy head.
Upward
Directed up;
The cards were face upward
An upward stroke of the pen
Upward
Extending or moving toward a higher place;
The up staircase
A general upward movement of fish
Upward
Spatially or metaphorically from a lower to a higher position;
Look up!
The music surged up
The fragments flew upwards
Prices soared upwards
Upwardly mobile
Upward
To a later time;
They moved the meeting date up
From childhood upward
Upward
Used to describe progress toward improvement or success.
His efforts are leading him on an upward trajectory in the company.
Common Curiosities
What does onward mean in a project context?
In a project context, onward refers to progressing forward towards the next stages or milestones.
How is upward used in economic contexts?
Upward is used to describe trends or movements that are increasing, such as "an upward trend in the stock market."
Can upward be used to describe career progression?
Yes, upward is often used to describe career progression, as in moving to higher positions or levels.
Are there situations where onward and upward can be used interchangeably?
In motivational contexts, they might be used together but generally serve different directional and conceptual purposes.
Is onward only applicable to physical movement?
No, onward can also describe metaphorical progress, such as in projects or personal development.
How does upward relate to social mobility?
Upward often describes social mobility in terms of improving one’s social status, income, or education level.
How do upward movements differ in physical versus metaphorical contexts?
Physically, upward movements refer to literal elevation, whereas metaphorically, they imply an improvement or increase.
What type of progression is denoted by onward in business?
In business, onward denotes forward movement in strategies, growth, or toward objectives.
What differentiates onward from forward?
Onward emphasizes continuous progression, while forward might imply a single or short-term movement.
How is upward used in reference to graphs or data analysis?
Upward is used to describe data points that show an increase or rise over time on a graph.
Does onward imply any time-specific characteristics?
Onward often implies a future orientation, without specifying an endpoint.
Can upward indicate direction in a spatial sense?
Yes, upward directly indicates a vertical direction towards a higher spatial point.
What is the significance of onward in historical narratives?
Onward in historical narratives emphasizes the progression and development of events over time.
What emotional connotations does onward carry in speeches or motivational talks?
In such contexts, onward conveys determination, resilience, and the continuation of effort.
How can upward be used in architecture?
In architecture, upward can describe design elements that extend towards higher elevations, enhancing vertical visual interest.
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Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
