How to pronounce upwards
Say it like UHP-werdz. Upwards has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (UHP).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce upwards. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- UHP
- werdz
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Upwards pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- UHPSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "u" in cup.
- werdzKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of upwards
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: UHP-wudz.
What does upwards mean?
- spatially or metaphorically from a lower to a higher position“look up!”“the music surged up”
- to a later time“they moved the meeting date up”“from childhood upward”
Where does upwards come from?
From Middle English upwardes, from Old English upweardes, equivalent to up + -wards.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Questions about saying upwards
How do you pronounce upwards?
Say UHP-werdz. The American pronunciation is /ˈʌpwɚdz/. In British English it is /ˈʌpwədz/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in upwards?
Upwards has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (UHP). Broken into parts: UHP · werdz.
Is upwards 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 /ˈʌpwədz/ (UHP-wudz).