inward

[in-werd]

adverb

1. toward the inside, interior, or center, as of a place, space, or body.

2. into or toward the mind or soul.

   He turned his thoughts inward.

3. Obsolete.

   1. on the inside or interior.

   2. in the mind or soul; mentally or spiritually.

adjective

1. proceeding or directed toward the inside or interior.

2. situated within or in or on the inside; inner; internal.

   an inward room.

3. pertaining to the inside or inner part.

4. located within the body.

   the inward parts.

5. pertaining to the inside of the body.

   inward convulsions.

6. inland.

   inward passage.

7. mental or spiritual; inner.

   inward peace.

8. muffled or indistinct, as the voice.

9. private or secret.

10. closely personal; intimate.

11. Archaic.,  pertaining to the homeland; domestic.

noun

1. the inward or internal part; the inside.

2. inwards, the inward parts of the body; entrails; innards.

inward

/ ˈɪnwəd /

adjective

1. going or directed towards the middle of or into something

2. situated within; inside

3. of, relating to, or existing in the mind or spirit

   inward meditation

4. of one's own country or a specific country

   inward investment

adverb

1. a variant of inwards

noun

1. the inward part; inside

Other Word Forms

• inwardness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of inward¹

before 900; Middle English; Old English inweard. See in, -ward

Example Sentences

Even more concerning, when the nihilism of the darkest corners of the internet catches up to their psyches, “young people weaponize those grievances,” Newsom said — whether that anger turns inward or outward.

From Los Angeles Times

After Diane Gibson’s death, the pop star looked inward to write a raw and honest memoir.

From Los Angeles Times

That is because Fickett designed the West Hollywood apartments to face inward, toward a lush courtyard and swimming pool, avoiding the activity of the Sunset Strip.

From Los Angeles Times

The resultant album, “Nebraska,” is one of the ’80s most hushed accomplishments and it took an actor of White’s confidence to make that inward journey compelling.

From Los Angeles Times

With his own studio, a broad space overlooking a forest, he had the mental space to look inward.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• inbound