outward Hear it!

outward Definition

out·ward (o̵utwərd)

adjective

  1. having to do with the outside or exterior; outer
  2. clearly apparent; observable; visible
  3. away from the interior; to or toward the outside
  4. having to do with the physical or the body as opposed to the mind or spirit
  5. concerning the surface only; superficial

Etymology: ME utward < OE utweard: see out & -ward

adverb

  1. away from the interior or from port; toward the outside
  2. visibly; openly; publicly
  3. Obsolete on the outside; externally

noun

  1. the outward part; exterior
  2. the material or external world
  3. outward form or appearance

outward Related Forms

out·ward·ness noun

outward Synonyms

outward

modif.

  1. In an outwardly direction

    out, toward the edge, from within; see outer, outside 1.

  2. To outward appearance

    on the surface, visible, to the eye; see obvious 1, open 1.

outward Usage Examples

Converse of object

  • radiate: Most of the " planned " villages were laid out with streets radiating outwards from a central Square, or village green.
  • bulge: They bulge outwards like grapefruit segments, giving two dimensions the appearance of three.
  • explode: Image of a large plasma cloud exploding outwards from the Sun.
  • extend: No advertisement board is allowed to extend outwards from the wall of a building by more than 1 meter.
  • spread: This caused a wave of star formation to spread outwards in a ring.
  • expand: Breathe in deeply by allowing your abdominal muscles to expand outwards.

Adjective modifier

  • open: It's that bit with the funny picture of a running man on a green background beside the doors that open outwards.
  • middle: P The plastic or paper backing on the new patch is easier to pull off from the middle outwards.

Modifies a noun

  • reinsurance: An outline of the market is given with descriptions of the main classes of business and outwards reinsurance.
  • journey: The weather for the outward journey was excellent, and there were some short showers during the return journey.
  • appearance: Race is an idea created by society to describe people according to their outward appearances.
  • sign: The organism may show few outward signs of stress.
  • form: Of course, it is true that Orthodox Christianity has changed little, save in some of its outward forms, in twenty centuries.

Noun used with modifier

  • slope: This pitch is awkward to rig as the walls slope outwards at approximately 5 degrees to the vertical.
  • opening: Is the any reason why you shouldn't have your backdoor opening outwards?
  • move: The design starts from the center and moves outwards.
  • work: Use a circular motion and work outwards from the inside of the circle.
  • way: Start by looking near the places you are thinking of mooring your new boat first and work your way outwards.

Preposition: in

direction: Papers sprayed from the table on which she had been standing, flying outwards in all directions.

Preposition: from

center: Flora Three vegetational zones can be identified proceeding outwards from the center of the reserve.

Browse dictionary entries near outward

  1. outvote
  2. outturn
  3. outthink
  4. outtalk
  5. outtake
  6. outstrip
  7. outstretch
  8. outstay
  9. outstation
  10. outstare
  1. outward bound
  2. outwardly
  3. outwards
  4. outwash
  5. outwear
  6. outweigh
  7. outwit
  8. outwitted
  9. outwork
  10. outworn