inward
gb/ˈɪnwɚd/ us/ˈɪnwɚd/
B1
English
~ 4400
Senses
0 senses
adverb
B1
relation
1
Toward the inside or center
Moving toward the inside of a place or object.
Usage pattern:
to move [something/someone] inward
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'inward' with 'indoors'. 'Inward' describes direction toward the inside, while 'indoors' means being inside a building.
Synonyms
inside (Often used interchangeably, but 'inside' can also refer to location rather than direction.)
Antonyms
outward ('Outward' means moving toward the outside or away from the center.)
Collocations
turn inward
|move inward
|face inward
|push inward
Themes
space
|movement
|daily life
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- She stepped inward to avoid the closing door.
- The crowd slowly moved inward toward the stage.
- He turned inward and walked into the room.
- Push the lever inward to lock it.
- They leaned inward to hear each other better.
Learner examples
- He walked inward into the house.
- She moved inward to the middle of the room.
- They turned inward to face the table.
- Push inward to close the drawer.
- The chairs were moved inward for more space.
adjective
B2
property
2
Facing or directed toward the inside
On or facing the inside part of something.
Usage pattern:
[adjective] side facing inward
Synonyms
interior ('Interior' is more formal and often used for spaces or design.)
Antonyms
outward ('Outward' describes a position or direction facing outside.)
Collocations
inward side
|inward surface
|inward flow
Themes
space
|objects
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The doors have an inward opening mechanism.
- She admired the inward curve of the sculpture.
- The building's inward-facing windows create privacy.
Learner examples
- The car has an inward door lock.
- The wall has an inward bend.
- The house has an inward-facing window.
adjective
B2
property
3
Directed toward one's own mind or feelings
Thinking about your own feelings and thoughts instead of things around you.
Usage pattern:
[someone] is inward
Synonyms
introspective ('Introspective' is more formal and academic.)
Antonyms
outgoing ('Outgoing' refers to being socially active and focused on others.)
Collocations
inward focus
|inward reflection
|inward journey
Themes
emotions
|psychology
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- His inward nature made him seem quiet at parties.
- She spent an inward afternoon reflecting on her choices.
- He took an inward look at his motivations.
Learner examples
- He is an inward person who likes to read alone.
- She feels inward today and does not want to talk.
- I had an inward day and stayed home.
adverb
property
4
Toward one's own mind or feelings
(Thinking) about yourself instead of other things.
Usage pattern:
[someone] turns inward
Themes
emotions
|psychology
|core_vocabulary
Grammar
Dictionary form
inward
IPA
GB/ˈɪnwɚd/
US/ˈɪnwɚd/
Syllables & stress
in - ward (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (in)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: inward
Word family
Core family
inwardly
adverb
Related words
Expressions
look inward
1/lˈʊk ˈɪnwɚd/
fixed phrase
To examine your own thoughts and feelings
To think carefully about your own mind and reasons for doing things.
Examples
- The team needs to look inward to solve its problems.
- He looked inward for strength during the crisis.
turn inward
1/tˈɚn ˈɪnwɚd/
fixed phrase
To focus on oneself mentally or emotionally
To think about your own feelings instead of things outside you.
Examples
- After the loss, he began to turn inward and reflect.
- During stressful times, she tends to turn inward.