the word 'upwards' is a native english formation built entirely from old english components. its core, 'up', derives from the proto-germanic 'upp', which is traced back to the proto-indo-European root 'upo', meaning "under, up from under". the suffix '-ward', from old english '-weard', originally meant "turned toward" and is related to the verb 'weorþan' (to become). the final '-s' is a fossilized adverbial genitive ending, common in directional words like 'towards', 'homewards', and 'always'. thus, 'upwards' literally means "in the direction facing up", a meaning that has remained remarkably consistent from its germanic roots to its modern abstract usage indicating increase or ascent.

Structure: up (direction) + ward (direction) + s (adverbial suffix) up: old english origin, meaning "up, upward, aloft". functions as the core directional element. ward: old english origin (from '-weard'), meaning "in the direction of". functions as a directional suffix. s: old english origin, an adverbial genitive suffix used to form adverbs of direction.