inward Hear it!

inward Definition

in·ward (in′wərd)

adjective

  1. situated within; being on the inside; internal
  2. of or belonging to the inner nature of a person; mental or spiritual
  3. directed toward the inside; ingoing the inward pull of a centrifuge
    1. intuitive; empathetic an inward understanding of the poetic mind
    2. subtle a delicate inward lyricism
    3. intimate (with) the play invites the audience to be inward with the character
    4. introspective an obsession with inward consciousness
    5. withdrawn; reticent a shy and inward person

Etymology: ME inneward < OE inweard, inneweard: see in- & -ward

noun

  1. the inside; inward part
  2. the entrails

adverb

  1. toward the inside, interior, or center
  2. into the mind, thoughts, or soul

inward Synonyms

inward

modif.

  1. Moving into

    penetrating, ingoing, through, incoming, entering, inbound, inpouring, infiltrating, inflowing; see also penetrating 1.

  2. Placed within

    inside, internal, interior; see in 1, within.

  3. Private

    spiritual, intellectual, intimate; see inner, internal 1, private.

inward Usage Examples

Converse of object

  • turn: We cover our face with our hands and turn inwards to the dark center.
  • face: Holds baby in three positions: facing inwards, outwards or in the nursing position.
  • look: These activities could well complement those in the Looking Inwards - Looking Outwards books.
  • open: In addition, they are made to open inwards to throw the air upwards.
  • move: Open the door with your guiding arm - this way they can easily tell whether the door is moving inwards or outwards.
  • work: Using the lightly soaked cotton wool apply to the edges of the stain working inwards to the center.

Adjective modifier

open: The two glass panels to the right of the automatic door are doors that open inwards when pushed.

Modifies a noun

  • investor: Potential inward investors will simply go to a country where the economic package on offer is more attractive.
  • pilot: Wear Valley District Council selected Inward Pilot for use in their Economic Regeneration Team in February 2003.

Noun used with modifier

  • curve: They should also be narrow and curve inwards, being very supple with a fine and velvety texture.
  • work: Using the onion peeling principle, start on the outside of your house and work inwards.
  • coal: Goods traffic was mainly fruit and hops outwards and coal inwards.
  • opening: They have a master and slave door which can be specified with one or two handles and are available opening inwards or outwards.