inward
inward Lexical Profile
inward Game Scores & Validity
• adjective
Existing within the mind, spirit, or private thoughts rather than being expressed externally.
"Despite his calm demeanor during the interview, he felt an inward surge of excitement."
Directed or moving toward the inside or interior of something.
"The heavy wooden doors required a firm inward push to unlatch properly."
• adverb
Toward the inside or center of a space or object.
"The casement windows are designed to swing inward so they can be cleaned easily from inside the room."
Toward one's own mind, soul, or inner self.
"After years of seeking approval from others, she finally turned her attention inward to discover her own values."
• noun
The internal parts of something, especially the visceral organs or entrails of the body (usually used in the plural).
"The old farmer spoke of a sharp ache in his inwards after lifting the heavy timber."
Word Nuance & Usage
As an adjective, 'inward' is standard across all varieties of English (e.g., 'inward reflection'), whereas as an adverb, American English prefers 'inward' while British English frequently uses 'inwards'.
• Rhymes for inward
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
From Old English inweard ('internal, intrinsic; toward the inside'), formed from in ('in, within') and -weard ('toward'), with cognates in Old High German inwert.