Inward
'ɪnwəd
Definitions
2 meaningsDirected or situated towards the inside; relating to the inside of something.
'ɪnwəd
Directed or situated towards the inside.
The building's inward facing design created a courtyard.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're looking *inside* a box. That's what inward means! Like, you can have an inward thought (thinking about something inside your mind) or an inward movement (moving towards the middle).
👶 For kids: Going inside or towards the middle.
More Examples
He felt an inward pull to return to his hometown.
How It's Used
"The inward curve of the rib cage protects the vital organs."
"She experienced an inward sense of peace after meditation."
Towards the inside; into one's self or mind.
'ɪnwəd
He turned his attention inward.
💡 Simply: It's like going *in*side! When you think inward, you are focusing your thoughts or energy on yourself. You could turn your attention inward, like looking at your feelings.
👶 For kids: Going inside or towards the middle.
More Examples
The door swung inward as he pulled on it.
How It's Used
"She turned inward to find the strength to overcome her challenges."
"The dancer turned her toes inward for the pirouette."
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
inward bound
Moving toward a destination that is inland.
"The cargo ship was inward bound, carrying goods for the local markets."
From Middle English *inward, from Old English *inweard* (“directed or turned inwards”), from *in* (“in”) + *weard* (“direction”).
The word has been used since the Middle Ages, primarily to describe movement or direction toward the interior of something, whether physical or metaphorical.
Memory tip
Think of an "in"ward journey – going within.