inward

¹in·ward

adjective \ˈin-wərd\

Definition of INWARD

1

: situated on the inside : inner

2

a : of or relating to the mind or spirit <inward peace>

b : absorbed in one's own mental or spiritual life : introspective

3

: marked by close acquaintance : familiar

4

: directed toward the interior

Examples of INWARD

1. <moved towards the inward room for more privacy>
2. <he's more inward with the president than most members of the cabinet>

Origin of INWARD

Middle English, from Old English inweard (akin to Old High German inwert), from in + -weard ¹-ward

First Known Use: before 12th century

Related to INWARD

Synonyms

inside, interior, internal, inner

Antonyms

exterior, external, outer, outside, outward

Related Words

inmost, innermost; central, mid, middle, midmost

Near Antonyms

outermost, outmost; surface

²inward

adverb \-wərdz\

Definition of INWARD

1

: toward the inside, center, or interior

2

: toward the inner being

Variants of INWARD

inward or in·wards \-wərdz\

Examples of INWARD

1. The window faces inward toward the courtyard.
2. He turned his attention inward.

First Known Use of INWARD

before 12th century

³inward

noun

Definition of INWARD

1

: something that is inward

2

in·wards \ˈin-ərdz, -wərdz\ plural : innards

First Known Use of INWARD

before 12th century