inward
/ˈɪnwəd/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈɪnwərd/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈin-wərd/ (ame, mw) · /ˈɪn.wəd/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈɪn.wɚd/ (ame, ipa)
inward — adjective
1. placed on the inner side of something, or moving in a direction that goes toward
placed on the inner side of something, or moving in a direction that goes toward the centre or inside of a space.
Christopher pushed the heavy gate inward and stepped into the garden.
verb + inward (physical movement)
The door opened inward, so we had to stand back to let it swing.
verb + inward (direction of opening)
Wei traced the inward curve of the bowl with his finger.
An inward fold in the fabric created a neat pocket for the phone.
- outward
the direct opposite — outward describes the exterior or movement away from the centre
用法筆記
Frequently used before nouns describing physical features such as curve, fold, slope, or surface.
2. existing in a person's thoughts or emotional life, rather than being shown, spok
existing in a person's thoughts or emotional life, rather than being shown, spoken, or expressed to others.
Ayesha kept her inward feelings about the argument hidden from her family.
inward + noun (hidden emotions)
For years, Tunde had an inward sense that he was meant to do something bigger.
The meditation retreat helped participants explore their inward thoughts through silence and reflection.
Naoko's diary was filled with her most inward hopes and private fears.
用法筆記
Commonly paired with nouns describing personal or emotional experience — such as feelings, thoughts, struggle, journey, peace, or life. Not used to describe physical objects.
常見錯誤
3. relating to money, capital, or investment that moves into a country from sources
relating to money, capital, or investment that moves into a country from sources outside its borders.
The government introduced tax breaks to attract more inward investment from international firms.
inward investment (economic term)
Vinícius analysed the effects of inward capital flow on the local job market.
Inward remittances from overseas workers make up a large part of the country's national income.
The finance minister announced new rules to encourage inward financial flows.
- outward
outward investment means money leaving the country to be invested abroad
用法筆記
Almost always used in formal or technical contexts such as economics, trade policy, or development reports. Typically modifies nouns like investment, capital, remittances, or flow.
inward — adverb
1. in a direction that goes toward the centre or interior of something, such as a b
in a direction that goes toward the centre or interior of something, such as a building, container, or physical space.
Gabriel turned the umbrella inward to shake off the rain before entering the shop.
verb + inward (direction)
The walls of the old cave sloped inward as the group moved deeper.
Felix folded the map inward until it was small enough for his coat pocket.
Please place the chairs so that they face inward toward the stage.
用法筆記
In British English, the form "inwards" is very common and can be used interchangeably — for example, "the door opens inwards" is preferred in UK writing. The form "inward" without -s is more common in American English.
inward — noun
1. the most essential or deeply hidden part of a person's character or of a thing's
the most essential or deeply hidden part of a person's character or of a thing's true nature.
The poem invites readers to explore the inward of the human soul.
the inward (abstract noun, formal)
Years of meditation helped Christopher connect more deeply with his inward.
The philosopher argued that the inward of a person cannot be understood through observation alone.
The therapist guided her patient toward exploring his inward to find the source of his anxiety.
- inner self
much more common in modern English; 'inward' as a noun sounds dated
- essence
focuses on the core qualities rather than location inside a person
用法筆記
This sense is very rare in everyday speech. It appears mainly in philosophical, poetic, or spiritual writing. Most modern speakers use "inner self" or "inner being" instead.
2. the organs inside the body of a person or animal, especially the stomach, intest
the organs inside the body of a person or animal, especially the stomach, intestines, and other digestive organs.
The hunter cleaned the deer's inwards before bringing the meat back to the village.
inwards (plural noun, organs)
Anong felt a sharp pain in her inwards after eating the spoiled fish.
The vet examined the dog's inwards using an ultrasound machine.
Yara learned how to clean the inwards of a fish during her cooking class.
- innards
equally informal and more common; 'innards' is the usual word in everyday speech
- internal organs
the formal, medically accurate term
- guts
very informal, often used for the digestive tract specifically
用法筆記
Almost always used in the plural form "inwards." The singular "inward" for an organ does not exist in modern English. This sense is informal and may be considered crude in polite conversation; the medical term "internal organs" is preferred in formal contexts.