Heavenward: meaning, definitions and examples

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heavenward

 

[ ˈhɛvənwərd ]

Adverb / Adjective
Context #1 | Adverb

in religious or spiritual context

Moving or directed toward heaven.

Synonyms

skyward, upward.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
heavenward

Best used in poetic or religious contexts to describe something moving towards the heavens or the sky.

  • The prayers of the faithful rose heavenward.
  • She lifted her gaze heavenward, seeking solace.
skyward

Generally used in everyday or descriptive contexts to indicate a direction towards the sky.

  • The rocket shot skyward with a powerful thrust.
  • He pointed skyward to show the incoming storm.
upward

Used in broader contexts to indicate movement in a higher direction, not necessarily towards the sky.

  • The elevator moved upward to the top floor.
  • Their company profits have been trending upward.

Examples of usage

  • He gazed heavenward, seeking guidance from a higher power.
  • The birds soared heavenward, free from earthly constraints.
Context #2 | Adjective

describing movement or direction

Directed or moving toward heaven.

Synonyms

ascending, upward.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
heavenward

Often used in a poetic or spiritual context to describe something moving towards the sky or heaven.

  • The flowers turned their faces heavenward, reaching for the sun
  • He sent a prayer heavenward in his time of need
ascending

Typically used in a general or scientific context to describe something that is moving up or increasing in order.

  • The hikers were ascending the steep mountain path
  • The company's profits have been steadily ascending over the past few years
upward

Commonly used in everyday language to describe movement in a higher direction. It can refer both to physical movement as well as metaphorical improvements.

  • She looked upward and saw the stars twinkling in the night sky
  • The economy has been on an upward trend lately

Examples of usage

  • The heavenward journey of the pilgrims was filled with awe and reverence.
  • The angelic figure ascended in a heavenward motion.

Translations

Translations of the word "heavenward" in other languages:

🇵🇹 em direção ao céu

🇮🇳 स्वर्ग की ओर

🇩🇪 himmelwärts

🇮🇩 ke arah surga

🇺🇦 у напрямку до неба

🇵🇱 w stronę nieba

🇯🇵 天に向かって (てんにむかって)

🇫🇷 vers le ciel

🇪🇸 hacia el cielo

🇹🇷 cennete doğru

🇰🇷 하늘을 향해 (haneul-eul hyanghae)

🇸🇦 نحو السماء

🇨🇿 k nebi

🇸🇰 k nebu

🇨🇳 朝向天堂 (cháoxiàng tiāntáng)

🇸🇮 proti nebu

🇮🇸 til himins

🇰🇿 аспанға қарай

🇬🇪 ცისკენ (ts'isk'en)

🇦🇿 göyə doğru

🇲🇽 hacia el cielo

Etymology

The word 'heavenward' originated from Middle English, combining 'heven' (heaven) and 'ward' (direction). It has been used in religious and spiritual contexts to describe movement or direction towards heaven, symbolizing a connection to the divine or transcendent. Over time, 'heavenward' has come to represent a sense of aspiration, elevation, and spiritual growth.

See also: heavenly, heavens, heavenwards.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,877, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.