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Unraveling The Onward And Upward Origin: A Look At Language In Motion

Dorothea Wisozk

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Have you ever stopped to consider the words we use every day, especially those little phrases that just seem to pop up everywhere? It's fascinating, really, how some expressions become so deeply woven into our way of speaking. One such phrase that truly captures a spirit of growth and progress is "onward and upward." You hear it, and you just get a feeling of moving ahead, making things better, pushing for improvement. It's a phrase that paints a picture of positive momentum, suggesting that things are not just continuing, but improving as they go.

This idea of moving forward, of constantly striving for something better, is something many of us connect with, is that right? It speaks to a fundamental human desire to grow, to overcome challenges, and to reach for new possibilities. We often use "onward and upward" as a kind of rallying cry, a way to encourage ourselves or others to keep going, even when the path ahead might seem a bit uncertain.

While the phrase "onward and upward" itself has become a familiar idiom, the true story of its linguistic components, especially the word "onward," offers a rather interesting journey through the twists and turns of the English language. It's about how a single word can shift its role, how different regions prefer certain uses, and how even older ways of speaking sometimes give way to newer, more common expressions. So, let's pull back the curtain a little and explore the roots of this inspiring phrase, particularly focusing on the word "onward" as it travels through different forms and uses.

Table of Contents

The Spirit of Onward and Upward

When people say "onward and upward," they are really expressing a desire for continuous improvement, for pushing past current limits. It's a phrase that suggests not just moving forward in time or space, but also progressing in quality or status. This combination of "onward," meaning to a point ahead, and "upward," meaning to a higher level, creates a powerful image of positive advancement. It's a sentiment that resonates with many, inspiring people to keep striving for better things in their personal lives, their work, or even in larger societal efforts. The phrase, in a way, captures a timeless human aspiration.

The Word "Onward": A Linguistic Exploration

To truly get a feel for the phrase "onward and upward," we should really spend some time looking closely at the word "onward" itself. It's a word with some interesting quirks and variations depending on where you are and how you're using it. Our language, you see, is a living thing, always shifting and adapting, and "onward" is a good example of that. It has different roles, different preferred uses, and even different feelings depending on the context. So, let's dig into what makes "onward" such a versatile, yet sometimes puzzling, part of our vocabulary.

"Onward" as an Adverb and Adjective

One of the first things you might notice about "onward" is its flexibility. In British English, for instance, "onwards" is typically used as an adverb, describing how something moves or happens. Think of it like saying "they marched onwards." But then, "onward" without the 's' is usually an adjective, describing something that is moving forward, such as "an onward journey." This distinction is a pretty clear one for many speakers in the UK, making it easier to know which form to pick.

However, things get a little more mixed when you consider American English. In the United States, and sometimes in more formal British English, "onward" can also function as an adverb. This means you might hear or read "they marched onward" just as easily as "they marched onwards." This kind of overlap can be a bit confusing if you're trying to keep track of all the rules, but it really shows how language can adapt and blend over time. It’s almost like the lines blur a bit, making the word more versatile, or so it seems.

The Oxford English Dictionary, which is quite an authority on words, defines "onward" (entry 4b, adverb) as meaning "from this time forward." This definition highlights its use in terms of time, indicating a starting point for something that continues into the future. It’s a very precise way of putting it, suggesting a continuation from a specific moment. This is a crucial aspect of its meaning, especially when we think about the idea of progress.

"Onward" in Everyday Speech

Despite its formal definitions and clear roles, "onward" can sometimes feel a bit out of place in casual conversation. For example, the phrase "from this time forward" isn't really used much in everyday, colloquial English. People just don't talk that way very often. Even "henceforth," which means something similar, sounds rather old-fashioned or archaic to most modern ears. It's like something you'd read in a very old book, not hear at the coffee shop, you know?

Interestingly, while "onward" itself can sound a bit formal or uncommon at the very start of a sentence, other phrases are becoming more common. For instance, "going forward" is a phrase that many people use these days to mean from now on. Some folks might frown upon it, seeing it as American English, but it's definitely becoming more accepted and widespread, even in places where it wasn't used much before. It shows how language evolves, doesn't it? Things change, and new ways of saying things just sort of catch on.

Consider an example from an application form: "Enter information about your education history from secondary level onwards." This usage can sometimes cause a little confusion, can't it? It makes you wonder, "Do I have to include the...?" It means you need to list everything starting from that secondary level and continuing into the future. It’s a clear instruction, but the word "onwards" there makes it quite specific about the starting point and its continuation. So, it's pretty precise, actually.

Historical Uses of "Onward"

The word "onward" has a long history of use in describing progress, particularly in the arts and intellectual pursuits. Take music, for instance. From Beethoven onward, composers began to write down dynamics in a much more direct and detailed way. This means that starting with Beethoven, and continuing through the composers who came after him, musical instructions became far more specific, leaving less to chance or interpretation. It really marked a shift in how music was created and shared, a significant step forward, you might say.

We can also see "onward" used to mark a starting point for a continuous development in thought or political theory. There's a translation of an essay by Leon Trotsky, for example, that appeared in Foreign Affairs. In it, you read something like: "Now it turns out that the world exchange is the source of all..." The original might have used "onward" to indicate that from this point, or this realization, a certain understanding or development began to unfold. It highlights a moment of significant change, a turning point from which new ideas spring forth. It's a powerful way to mark a progression of thought, very much so.

When you're thinking about financial matters, too, "onward" can be very useful. You might say, "I can give you money from next month." Or, to be more precise about the continuation, you could say, "I can give you money from next month on/onward." This clarifies that the giving of money starts next month and will continue indefinitely or for a period thereafter. It's a subtle but important distinction, letting the other person know that it's not just a one-time thing, but a sustained effort. You could even say, "I can give you money a week from next month," which adds another layer of specificity to the timing, but the "onward" still implies that ongoing nature.

The phrase "as of" means at a certain time onward, indicating a starting point for something that continues. Similarly, "as from" also means at a certain time onward. While "as at" typically means at a precise time of an event, the others clearly indicate a continuous state from a specific moment. These little phrases are quite useful for marking when something begins and continues, like a new policy taking effect from a certain date. It's all about setting that clear beginning point for an ongoing situation, you know?

When it comes to looking forward to things, both "I look forward" and "I look forward to" are perfectly valid, if you mean anticipating something. However, "I look forward" tends to be more formal. It’s the kind of expression you would typically write in an official letter or a formal email. It conveys a sense of polite expectation and is a standard phrase in professional communication. So, it’s pretty much a staple in those kinds of settings.

The Power of "Upward"

Now, while "onward" gives us the idea of moving ahead in space or time, "upward" adds that crucial element of improvement or elevation. It's not just about going forward, but about going to a better, higher place. This could mean a better status, a higher quality, or an improved condition. The combination of these two words creates a very strong and positive message. It suggests a journey that is always progressing, always getting better, always reaching for something more. It's a rather optimistic view, wouldn't you say?

Think about it: "onward" implies direction and continuity, while "upward" implies aspiration and betterment. Together, they form a powerful idiom that encourages resilience and ambition. It's a phrase that has been adopted across various fields, from personal development to business strategy, because it so perfectly encapsulates the drive to overcome challenges and achieve greater heights. This dual meaning makes the phrase particularly effective, truly.

The word "onward" also found its way into popular culture in a very noticeable way with the 2020 American animated urban fantasy adventure film produced by Pixar Animation Studios for Walt Disney Pictures. This movie, simply titled "Onward," stars the voices of Tom Holland and Chris Pratt, among others. It tells the story of teenage elf brothers, Ian and Barley, who go on a magical quest. Their goal is to spend just one more day with their late father, which is a rather touching reason for an adventure, isn't it?

Like any good adventure story, their journey is filled with all sorts of challenges and discoveries. The film is directed by Dan Scanlon and was produced by Kori Rae. It was set in a suburban fantasy world, introducing these two teenage elf brothers who set out on an extraordinary quest to see if there's still a little magic left out there in the world. This particular film, "Onward," really captures the spirit of the word, which means moving ahead, often against obstacles, toward a goal. It's about a journey of discovery and growth, very much in line with the word's deeper meaning.

You can currently watch "Onward" streaming on Disney Plus, which is pretty convenient. It's also possible to buy the film digitally on platforms like Amazon Video, Apple TV, Fandango at Home, or the Microsoft Store, or you can rent it if you prefer. In the story, Ian, voiced by Tom Holland, and Barley Lightfoot, voiced by Chris Pratt, get this unexpected chance to spend one more day with their late dad. They go on this quest aboard Barley’s epic van, which is a rather memorable part of their adventure. The movie uses the word "onward" to perfectly describe their forward movement, their determination to reach their goal, and their personal growth throughout the journey. It's a great example of the word's meaning in a modern context, you know?

Frequently Asked Questions

People often have questions about common phrases and words. Here are a few thoughts on what people often wonder about "onward" and similar expressions.

What is another way to say "from now on" in a less formal way?

Instead of "from this time forward" or "henceforth," which can sound a bit formal, people often use "going forward" in more casual or business contexts. It's becoming a very common way to express that something will happen from the present moment onward, indicating a continuous future action or policy. This phrase is generally well-understood and widely accepted in many settings, which is good.

Is "onward" always about physical movement?

Not at all! While "onward" certainly can refer to moving forward in space, like "marching onward," it's also very much used to describe progress through time or in a conceptual sense. For example, "from Beethoven onward" refers to a historical period, not a physical journey. Similarly, the phrase "onward and upward" itself speaks more to progress and improvement than just a physical direction. So, it's pretty versatile, actually.

How does the movie "Onward" relate to the meaning of the word?

The Pixar film "Onward" perfectly embodies the spirit of the word. The main characters, teenage elf brothers, embark on a quest that is literally about moving forward ("onward") to achieve a goal. Their journey involves overcoming obstacles and growing as individuals, which reflects the idea of progress and betterment ("upward"). So, the title truly captures the essence of their adventure and personal development, making it a very fitting choice for the film. It's a nice connection, really.

Learning about words like "onward" and phrases like "onward and upward" gives us a better appreciation for the richness of our language. It’s pretty neat how words can shift and change roles, yet still convey such clear meanings of progress and determination. These linguistic journeys, you see, help us understand not just how we speak, but also how we think about moving ahead in life. So, there's quite a bit to consider when you look at how these terms are used.

Learn more about language evolution on our site, and check out this page for more fascinating word origins.

Onward (2020) - Posters — The Movie Database (TMDB)

Onward (2020) - Posters — The Movie Database (TMDB)

Onward (2020) - Posters — The Movie Database (TMDB)

Onward (2020) - Posters — The Movie Database (TMDB)

Onward (2020) - Posters — The Movie Database (TMDB)

Onward (2020) - Posters — The Movie Database (TMDB)