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

'dūneweard' transformed into the Middle English word 'dounward,' and eventually became the modern English word 'downwards.'

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