upward motion

Meanings

1. 1noununcountable

   Movement in a direction toward a higher position or level.

   Grammar: Usually uncountable; use 'an upward motion' when you mean one instance of such movement.

   Patterns

   • upward motion of something
   • in an upward motion
   • cause upward motion

   The balloon's upward motion stopped when it reached the ceiling.

   He raised his hand in a smooth upward motion.

   Scientists measured the upward motion of warm air.

2. 2noununcountablefigurative

   A rise or increase in amount, value, or level.

   Grammar: Often used with 'in': an upward motion in prices.

   Patterns

   • upward motion in something
   • show an upward motion

   The graph shows a steady upward motion in sales.

   There has been an upward motion in temperatures this week.

Common combinations

smooth upward motion

The elevator began its smooth upward motion.

in an upward motion

She swept the brush in an upward motion.

upward motion of air

The upward motion of air creates clouds.

steady upward motion

The stock showed a steady upward motion over the month.

Synonyms and how they differ

ascent

More formal and often used for a journey or climb upward; 'upward motion' is more general and physical.

rise

Focuses on the result or increase rather than the physical movement; 'upward motion' stresses the direction of movement.

Opposites

Word family

upward adjective

Moving or directed toward a higher place.

upwards adverb

Toward a higher position (British English also uses 'upward' as an adverb).

Commonly confused: upward motion or upward?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “upward motion”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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