inward

Everyday

1. Inward means going towards the inside or the centre («the door opens inward»). tree →
2. Inward also means inside your mind or feelings and not shown to others («inward fear»). tree →
3. Inward can also mean hidden deep inside something, not obvious on the surface. tree →

In the lessons

In science and maths it describes direction (forces pulling inward, arrows pointing inward, a dent bending inward). In stories it tells the reader about a character's hidden thoughts: «inward smile», «inward sigh». Opposite: outward. Phrases: «turn inward», «inward and outward».

Examples

• The door opens inward, so pull it towards you. tree →
• The walls of the tent bent inward in the wind. tree →
• She gave an inward sigh but smiled politely. tree →
• His toes point inward when he walks. tree →
• Gravity pulls objects inward towards the centre of the Earth. tree →
• He felt an inward fear, though he looked calm. tree →
• The petals curl inward at night. tree →
• Breathe in and feel your tummy move inward. tree →
• Soon the inward meaning of it leaked out, and the great heart of the public was touched. tree →

Note

«Inwards» (with s) is common in British English as an adverb; American English prefers «inward». As an adjective before a noun use «inward» («an inward feeling»). Opposite: «outward(s)». Related: «inwardly».

In Jewish tradition

The laws of offerings tell the priest to wash the inwards and burn the fat covering them, while the dung and skin are taken outside the camp. In the primary lessons: In science and maths it describes direction (forces pulling inward, arrows pointing inward, a dent bending inward). In stories it tells the reader about a character's hidden thoughts: «inward smile», «inward sigh». Opposite: outward. Phrases: «turn inward», «inward and outward».

Examples

• And he washed the inwards and the legs, and made them smoke upon the burnt-offering on the altar. (Torah LEV.9.14, JPS 1917) tree →
• And he shall offer of it all the fat thereof: the fat tail, and the fat that covereth the inwards, (Torah LEV.7.3, JPS 1917) tree →
• But the skin of the bullock, and all its flesh, with its head, and with its legs, and its inwards, and its dung, (Torah LEV.4.11, JPS 1917) tree →
• Who hath put wisdom in the inward parts? (Writings JOB.38.36, JPS 1917) tree →
• And David built round about from Millo and inward. (Prophets 2SA.5.9, JPS 1917) tree →
• Mine inward thoughts are my intercessors, mine eye poureth out tears unto God; (Writings JOB.16.20, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

«Inwards» (with s) is common in British English as an adverb; American English prefers «inward». As an adjective before a noun use «inward» («an inward feeling»). Opposite: «outward(s)». Related: «inwardly».