Outward: meaning, definitions and examples

๐ŸŒŸ
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outward

 

[ หˆaสŠtwษ™rd ]

Adjective / Adverb / Noun
Context #1 | Adjective

direction

Moving or directed towards the outside or exterior.

Synonyms

external, outer, outside.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
outward

This word is often used to describe something that is visible or observable from the outside, emphasizing what can be seen or perceived externally, often in contrast to internal or hidden aspects.

  • Her outward appearance was calm, but inside she was very nervous.
  • The outward signs of the company's success were evident in its modern office and high-tech equipment.
external

This term is typically used in a more formal or technical context to refer to something that belongs to or relates to the outside surface or structure of something. It can also refer to factors outside an organization or system.

  • The external walls of the building were damaged by the storm.
  • We need to consider the external factors that can affect our business, like market trends and economic conditions.
outer

Use this word when describing something that is situated on or toward the outside of something, often in relation to a central point or interior part.

  • The outer layer of the skin protects the body from infection.
  • They live on the outer edge of the city, far from the downtown area.
outside

This word is commonly used in everyday speech to refer to the exterior of something or to an area that is not within a particular space or structure. It can also describe factors or opinions not coming from within an organization or group.

  • Let's sit outside since the weather is nice today.
  • She looked at the situation from an outside perspective.

Examples of usage

  • The outward appearance of the building was impressive.
  • She turned her outward attention to the beauty of nature.
Context #2 | Adverb

appearance

Towards the outside; away from a center.

Synonyms

externally, outwards.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
outward

Use when describing the direction or movement away from the center or a specific point. Often relates to physical movement or the appearance visible to others.

  • The spaceship began its outward journey towards Mars
  • She showed no outward signs of distress
externally

Applicable when referring to something happening on the outside of an object, body, or system, contrasting the internal aspect.

  • The phone looked fine externally, but the internal components were damaged
  • Externally applying the cream should reduce the inflammation
outwards

Often used to describe a movement in a direction away from the central point, commonly used interchangeably with 'outward' but more specifically indicating the direction.

  • The ripples spread outwards from the point where the stone hit the water
  • The branches grew outwards in all directions

Examples of usage

  • She looked inwardly, but smiled outward.
  • The company's profits were increasing outward.
Context #3 | Noun

expression

A visible sign of a feeling or quality.

Synonyms

display, expression, indication.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
outward

This term is commonly used when describing physical appearances that are visible from the outside. It often contrasts the internal or true nature of something or someone.

  • Despite his outward calm, he was actually very nervous
  • The outward appearance of the building looked old and worn
expression

Often used to describe the way a person shares their thoughts or feelings, either through words, facial expressions, or artistic means.

  • Her expression of joy was evident when she received the award
  • Painting is his primary form of self-expression
indication

This word is used when something points to or suggests a specific conclusion or shows signs of something. It often implies a degree of inference or deduction.

  • The dark clouds are an indication that it might rain soon
  • There was no clear indication that he was aware of the problem
display

Typically used when referring to showing or exhibiting something openly or prominently. It can be used in various contexts, including exhibitions, emotions, and behaviors.

  • The museum will display rare artifacts from ancient civilizations
  • His display of anger was unexpected during the meeting

Examples of usage

  • Her smile was an outward display of her happiness.
  • The storm was an outward manifestation of nature's power.

Translations

Translations of the word "outward" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น exterior

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคฌเคพเคนเคฐเฅ€

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช รคuรŸerlich

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ luar

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะทะพะฒะฝั–ัˆะฝั–ะน

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ zewnฤ™trzny

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ๅค–้ƒจใฎ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท extรฉrieur

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ exterior

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท dฤฑลŸ

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์™ธ๋ถ€์˜

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุฎุงุฑุฌูŠ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ vnฤ›jลกรญ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ vonkajลกรญ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅค–้ƒจ็š„

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ zunanji

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ ytri

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ัั‹ั€ั‚า›ั‹

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ’แƒแƒ แƒ”

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ xarici

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ exterior

Etymology

The word 'outward' originated from the Middle English word 'utward', which came from the Old English 'ลซtweard', combining 'ลซt' (out) and 'weard' (ward). The term has been used in English literature and language for centuries, evolving to its current form and meaning.

See also: out, outback, outer, outing, outlet, outside, outwardly, outwards.

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,014 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.