Definition

Adverb: - Toward the sky; in an upward direction: Describes movement or orientation directed upwards into the sky or air.

Usage

The adverb "skywards" is used to indicate direction. It describes where something is moving, pointing, or being sent. It is synonymous with "upward" or "upwards" but specifically evokes the image of the sky as the destination or target. It is often used in literary, descriptive, or dramatic contexts.

Examples

• The fireworks shot skywards and exploded in a shower of color.
• She pointed her telescope skywards to observe the stars.
• The ancient tree's branches reached skywards.
• With a final burst of energy, the rocket accelerated skywards.

Advanced Usage

• "to look/send/shoot skywards": Common verb collocations describing the action of directing one's gaze or an object toward the sky.
  • The crowd looked skywards as the parade of hot air balloons passed overhead.

Variants and Related Words

• Skyward (adjective & adverb): The form "skyward" is also correct and can be used identically as an adverb. As an adjective, it describes something directed toward the sky.
  • Adverb: The bird flew skyward.
  • Adjective: a skyward glance.

Synonyms

• Upward(s): In a direction going up.
• Heavenward: Toward heaven or the sky (more poetic).
• Aloft: High up in or into the air.

Antonyms

• Earthward: Toward the earth or ground.
• Downward(s): In a direction going down.

Related Phrases

• To gaze skywards: To look up at the sky for a prolonged period.
  • He would often gaze skywards, lost in thought.
• A skywards trajectory: The path of an object moving upward toward the sky.
  • The ball had a steep, skywards trajectory before falling back to earth.

Adverb

1. toward the sky
   • look skywards!