Heavenwards

/ˈhɛv.ən.wərdz/ adverb

Definition

Toward heaven; in the direction of heaven or upward (British variant of heavenward).

Etymology

From 'heaven' + '-wards' (variant of '-ward' with an added '-s'). The '-wards' variant is more common in British English, while '-ward' is more common in American English. Both trace to Old English 'weard' meaning direction.

Kelly Says

British and American English diverged on this suffix around the 18th century—Americans dropped the 's' while Brits kept it ('toward' vs. 'towards'), and this is visible across many directional words! It's a perfect example of how spelling conventions fossilize regional variations.

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