adj 向下的，下降的(descending from a higher to a lower place， level， or condition) [通常作attrib]：a～curve/slope 向下的弧线/下坡;a～movement of the head/the prices 垂下头的动作/价格的下降; a～glance 向下的一瞥;a～trend in prices 价格的下降趋势;Prices started a～plunge. 物价开始下跌。the～path to ruin 通向毁灭的路;on the～path 走下坡路(变差);〖反〗upward;

adv(BrE -s)(1) 向下，下降(from a higher to a lower place， level， or condition)：(hillside slopes) lead～towards the river(山坡)朝下面的河倾斜;(path) lead～towards the sea(小路)通向下面的大海;Cool air moves～. 冷空气向下移动。(skier) glide～(滑雪者)向下滑;The profits are moving～. 利润正在下降。The trend in the suicide rate is～. 自杀率逐渐下降。move～in society 社会地位降低;〖反〗upward(s);

(2) 向地(板)(towards the ground or floor)：lie on the floor face～趴在地板上;lay a picture face～on the table 把画正面朝下放在桌上;

(3) 从以前以来(from an earlier to a more recent time)：～through the years 多年以来;～through history从古至今;

【说明】downward(s)作副词和形容词的用法参见BACKWARD(S)。