下向き
解説 Definition
上方向から下方向へ移動するさまを表す副詞。高さや順位、数値が減少する方向に向かうことを示す。身体の向きや視線などが下を向いている状態も指す。
Downward means toward a lower position, level, or direction. It is often used when talking about movement, change, or trends, such as prices, numbers, or physical motion. It usually describes a decrease or movement from high to low.
覚え方のコツ Memory Tip
まず down を確実に押さえ、そこに forward や toward と同じ「方向」を表す -ward が付くと考えると覚えやすいです。つまり downward は「下の状態」ではなく「下の方向へ」。視線なら look downward、動きなら move downward、数値なら prices moved downward のように、物理的にも比喩的にも“下向きの流れ”で使えます。反対は upward。down だけより、方向感がはっきり出る語だと意識すると定着します。
Start with `down`, then add `-ward`, the same direction ending as in `forward` and `toward`. So `downward` means not just "down," but "in a downward direction." It works for movement, eyes, and even numbers, like `look downward` or `prices moved downward`. Remember it together with its opposite, `upward`.
例文
The elevator moved downward slowly, giving us time to calm down.
エレベーターはゆっくりと下方向に動き、気持ちを落ち着ける時間をくれた。
Stock prices trended downward for three weeks.
株価は三週間にわたって下落傾向にあった。
She glanced downward to avoid meeting his eyes.
彼女は視線を合わせないように下に向けた。
downward の類義語・関連語
downward の語源・成り立ち Etymology
「downward」は古英語由来の down「下へ」と、方向を示す接尾辞 -ward が合わさった語です。down はもともと「丘」から転じて「丘を下って」が原感覚で、forward や toward と同じ -ward と合わさり「下向きに」が形になった。
Downward is made from down and the suffix -ward, which shows direction. Down comes from Old English and originally had the sense of moving off or down a hill, since down could refer to a hill or slope. Over time, the word settled into the general meaning of movement toward a lower place or direction. The same suffix appears in words like forward and toward.
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