inwardness
inwardness — noun
1. a tendency to turn toward your own thoughts, feelings, or spiritual concerns ins
a tendency to turn toward your own thoughts, feelings, or spiritual concerns instead of showing them openly or focusing on outer events.
Jessica's inwardness made group discussions hard for new classmates to read.
someone's inwardness + social effect
During the retreat, Omar's inwardness deepened as he spent hours writing alone.
inwardness in reflective setting
The novel shows a teenager's inwardness through diary pages and silent walks.
Adina's inwardness kept her grief hidden even from her closest friends.
- introspection
stresses deliberate self-examination rather than a lasting private cast of mind
- reserve
focuses on not showing feelings, not on rich inner life
- spirituality
fits only when the inward focus is religious or moral
文法句型
someone's inwardness
inwardness in + person/work
用法筆記
Usually appears in literary, religious, or reflective writing about a person's private emotional life. It suggests more depth than simple shyness or silence.
2. the deepest and most important part that gives an idea, experience, or work its
the deepest and most important part that gives an idea, experience, or work its real character.
The inwardness of the speech was its call for mercy over pride.
the inwardness of + abstract noun
Critics said the painting's inwardness came from tension beneath its calm surface.
inwardness came from + source
She wanted the film to keep the inwardness of the original memoir.
The ritual lost its inwardness when the festival became pure display.
文法句型
the inwardness of + noun
keep/lose the inwardness of + noun
用法筆記
Often used in criticism to point to what makes a work or experience matter most. Distinguish from sense 3, which is about being inward or internal, not necessarily the most vital element.
3. the state of belonging to the inner side of something, or the hidden substance b
the state of belonging to the inner side of something, or the hidden substance beneath its outward appearance.
The architect wanted the inwardness of the courtyard to contrast with the noisy street.
inwardness of + place
Monks spoke of the inwardness of prayer, not just its public form.
contrast with public form
The essay explores the inwardness of memory as something felt, not measured.
Good design gives the house an inwardness that protects family life.
- interiority
a more academic term, especially in criticism and theory
- internality
more abstract and less idiomatic in general writing
文法句型
the inwardness of + noun
give + noun + an inwardness
用法筆記
Common in philosophical, religious, or design writing about what is inward-facing or internally grounded. Unlike sense 2, it does not have to mean the most important part.