earthwards
Definition
- Adverb:
- Toward the earth: "earthwards" means in the direction of the earth, typically from a higher position or from space.
Usage Examples
- (The space rock moved toward the earth.)
- (The leaves fell toward the ground.)
- (The astronaut gazed in the direction of the Earth.)
Advanced Usage
"to fall earthwards": to descend or drop toward the earth's surface.
- The parachutist fell earthwards before opening the parachute. (The jumper descended toward the ground.)
"to be drawn earthwards": to be pulled or attracted toward the earth by gravity.
- The stone was drawn earthwards by gravity. (The stone was pulled down to the ground.)
Variants and Related Words
Earthward (adj or adv): an alternative spelling of "earthwards," meaning the same direction.
- The earthward journey took several hours. (The trip toward the earth took time.)
Earth (n): the planet we live on; the ground.
- The earth is the third planet from the sun. (The planet itself.)
Synonyms
- Downward: moving or directed toward a lower position.
- Groundward: in the direction of the ground.
- Terrestrially: in a manner relating to the earth.
Related Idioms
To come down to earth: to return to reality after a period of excitement or fantasy.
- After winning the lottery, he quickly came down to earth. (He returned to practical concerns.)
To move heaven and earth: to make every possible effort.
- She moved heaven and earth to get the job done. (She tried extremely hard.)