'downward' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'dūneweard,' where 'dūne' meant 'down' and 'weard' meant 'toward.'

'dūneweard' changed from Old English to Middle English as 'dounward,' and eventually became the modern English word 'downward'.

Initially, it meant 'toward a lower place,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.