What does onward mean?
Onward is an adverb describing continued movement or progress in a forward direction. It applies not only to physical travel, but also to events unfolding in sequence, personal development, negotiations, and the passage of time. The phrase “from ... onward” is especially common: it marks a point after which something continues in a particular way, as in “from that day onward.” The word often has a purposeful or determined tone, suggesting that movement or activity is continuing despite interruptions or obstacles. Compared with the more neutral “forward,” onward can imply a sense of journey, persistence, or onward development. In American English, onward is the usual form, while onwards is especially frequent in British usage. The word is widely used in journalism, formal writing, education, and everyday conversation.
In a forward direction; with continued movement or progress.
"The hikers pressed onward until they reached the ridge."
Often suggests sustained or purposeful movement and is common in formal and literary contexts.
Continuing from a particular time or point.
"From that point onward, the arrangement remained unchanged."
Typically appears in the construction “from ... onward.”
Onward carries the double idea of moving ahead physically and continuing forward in time, so a single word can carry a journey and a life story.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does onward come from?
Onward developed in Middle English from the combination of on and the Old English element -ward, which expressed direction or position. The resulting adverb has long been used for movement in space as well as for continuation in time or development. Its formation parallels related English words such as forward, inward, and outward, all of which use the same directional element.
How onward is actually used
Onward is a formal or neutral adverb. In American English it is the usual form, whereas onwards is common in British English; both are understood in both varieties.
Easily confused with onward
Onward and onwards are closely related adverbial forms; onward is widely used in American English, while onwards is especially common in British English.