From a higher place to a lower; in a descending course, whether directly toward the center of the earth, or not; as, to tend downward; to move or roll downwards; to look downward; to take root downwards.

In a course or direction from a head, spring, origin or source. Water flows downward toward the sea; we sailed downward on the stream.

In a course of lineal descent from an ancestor, considered as a head; as, to trace successive generations downward from Adam or Abraham.

In the course of falling or descending from elevation or distinction.