'upward-looking' originates from the combination of 'upward' and 'looking', where 'upward' meant 'toward a higher place or position' and 'looking' meant 'to direct one's gaze'.

'upward' and 'looking' have been used in English since the Middle Ages, and their combination into 'upward-looking' became more common in modern English.

Initially, it meant 'looking towards a higher place', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'optimistic or hopeful about the future'.