WordGarden.iooutward
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /ˈaʊtwəd/
US
- /ˈaʊtwərd/
Meanings
Adjective
directed toward the outside or away from the center
visible in appearance rather than inner or hidden
Adverb
toward the outside or away from the center
Beyond the definition
Think of an onion—it has layers! "Outward" describes anything moving away from a center, toward the exterior, or toward what is visible. It is about things that are expressed openly or directed toward the world around us. For instance, a shy person might have intense inward feelings but show very little outward emotion.
"Outward" isn't just about physical direction; it also describes appearances and expressions. An outward sign of illness might be a fever, while an outward display of affection could be a hug. Sometimes, things aren't as they seem on the surface: someone who appears outwardly calm might be hiding strong inner stress.
"Outward" describes movement or direction away from a center or interior and toward the exterior, surface, or surrounding environment. It concerns what is visible, expressed, or directed toward the world around us.
You can use "outward" to describe physical directions: "The ship sailed outward from the harbor," meaning it moved away from the land and into open water. However, its uses go far beyond simple location. "Outward" often refers to appearances or expressions—things that are readily observable. For example, "She maintained an outward appearance of calm despite her anxiety," means she looked peaceful on the surface even though she was feeling stressed inside.
It can also describe broader movement or spread when the starting point is clear. For example, a city may grow outward as new neighborhoods spread away from the old center. "Outward" is frequently paired with words like "appearance," "sign," "journey," or "flow." You might hear about an outward flow of air, heat, or energy, or an outward journey from a home port.
Sometimes, "outward" implies a contrast between what is visible and what is hidden. A person may present a cheerful outward demeanor while secretly struggling with sadness. This reminds us that appearances can be deceiving and that there is often more beneath the surface than meets the eye.
So, whether describing direction, appearance, or trends, "outward" points to everything that extends beyond an inner core and interacts with the world around it.
Examples
- 1
Door movement
The door opens outward, so don't stand too close.
- 2
Directional movement
From the fountain, the paths spread outward in every direction.
- 3
Travel
On the outward journey, we stopped twice for coffee.
- Phrasethe outward journey
the trip away from home or from the starting point
- 4
Visible damage
There were no outward signs of damage, but the phone would not turn on.
- Phraseoutward signs
signs that can be seen from the outside
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Hidden feelings
Her outward calm made it hard to tell how nervous she was.
- Patternoutward + feeling/behavior
what people see, often contrasted with what someone feels inside
- 6
Public image
The company presents an outward image of confidence, even during difficult months.
See also
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- outwardadjectiveadverb