How to pronounce downward
Say it like DOWN-werd. Downward has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (DOWN).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce downward. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- DOWN
- werd
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Downward pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- DOWNSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ow" in now.
- werdKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of downward
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: DOWN-wud.
What does downward mean?
- extending or moving from a higher to a lower place“the down staircase”“the downward course of the stream”
- on or toward a surface regarded as a base“he lay face downward”“the downward pull of gravity”
- spatially or metaphorically from a higher to a lower level or position“don't fall down”“rode the lift up and skied down”
Where does downward come from?
From down + -ward.
Similar and opposite words
Opposite meaning
Questions about saying downward
How do you pronounce downward?
Say DOWN-werd. The American pronunciation is /ˈdaʊnwɚd/. In British English it is /ˈdaʊnwəd/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in downward?
Downward has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (DOWN). Broken into parts: DOWN · werd.
Is downward pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ˈdaʊnwəd/ (DOWN-wud).