adj/adv · academic
earthward
UK/ˈɜːθwəd/US/ˈɜːrθwərd/EARTH·ward
Band 6-7task2task1
moving toward or directed toward the Earth
Examples
“The telescope observed the comet's earthward trajectory with concern.”
“Space debris on an earthward path will re-enter the atmosphere.”
“The probe made an earthward correction to its orbit.”
Band 8 sentence
“Analysts modelled several earthward scenarios for the disintegrating satellite before issuing warnings.”
Collocations
- earthward trajectory
- move earthward
Word family
earthward adj/advearthwards adv (less common)earthwardness n (rare)
Common mistakes
earthwards→earthward
earthbound→earthward
Say it for a higher band
5toward the earth→6downward→7+earthward
Synonyms
reentry-bound
Easily confused
earthbound
“Unlike spacecraft, earthbound vehicles cannot reach orbit.”
Related words
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In -ward
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