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

Derived Forms

• ˈinwardness, noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of inward¹

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

Example Sentences

"It's our biggest area in terms of inward investment," she said.

From BBC

Many commentators suggest the tone and priorities of recent debates indicate that America is looking ever inward, as it finally decides who should be its next leader.

From BBC

Built to charge ahead, not look back or inward.

From Salon

As a retired psychotherapist who is always balancing looking inward and looking outward, I weigh worst-case scenarios.

From Salon

I would say, never stop looking inward, because it’s so easy to blame everybody else.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• inbound