outward
outward Lexical Profile
outward Game Scores & Validity
• adjective
Relating to the external surface, visible appearance, or observable behavior of someone or something, as opposed to inner nature or feelings.
"Despite his outward calm, he was deeply anxious about the upcoming examination."
Going or directed away from the center, interior, or a starting point toward the outside or a destination.
"The outward journey took nearly six hours due to heavy coastal fog."
• adverb
Toward the outside; away from the center or a particular starting place.
"The French doors open outward onto a sunlit stone terrace."
• noun
The external appearance, outer surface, or surrounding material world (now chiefly literary or archaic).
"A careful observer looks beyond the mere outward to understand a person's true character."
Word Nuance & Usage
As an adjective, 'outward' is always spelled without an '-s' (e.g., 'an outward journey'); as an adverb, both 'outward' and 'outwards' are acceptable, with 'outward' preferred in American English and 'outwards' more common in British English.
Word Origin & Etymology
From Old English 'utweard', meaning 'turned toward the outside', formed by combining 'ut' (out) with the directional suffix '-weard' (-ward).