Definition

Adverb: 1. In a forward direction; continuing forward in time or space: Used to indicate movement or progression toward a point ahead, either physically or metaphorically. It emphasizes continuation from a particular point.

Usage and Examples

• Indicating physical movement forward:

  • The soldiers marched onwards toward the capital.
  • After a short break, we continued onwards along the trail.

• Indicating progression in time or sequence:

  • From the 19th century onwards, technology advanced rapidly.
  • The rule applies from Monday onwards.

Advanced Usage

• "And so onwards": A phrase used to suggest the continuation of a series or process in a similar manner.
  • The pattern repeats: 10, 20, 30, and so onwards.

Variants and Related Words

• Onward (adverb/adjective): The form "onward" is often used interchangeably with "onwards," especially in American English. As an adjective, it means "moving forward."
  • Adverb: They traveled onward through the night.
  • Adjective: We continued our onward journey.

Synonyms

• Forward: Toward the front; in the direction one is facing or moving.
• Ahead: In or toward the front; further along in space or progress.
• On: Used to indicate continuation or progression (e.g., ).

Related Phrases

• Onwards and upwards: An idiom expressing optimistic progress and improvement.
  • Despite the setback, it's time to move onwards and upwards.

Adverb

1. 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