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Outwards Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐ŸŒฟ
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outwards

[หˆaสŠtwษ™rdz ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adverb

direction

Moving or directed towards the outside.

Synonyms

outside, outward.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
outwards

Similar to 'outward,' but used more commonly to describe movement in multiple directions away from a point. Often applied in physical descriptions and processes.

  • The water flows outwards from the center
  • They pushed the walls outwards to expand the room
outward

Indicates direction from an inner point to an outer one, often used in descriptions and sometimes carries figurative meaning related to appearance or expression.

  • He showed no outward signs of distress
  • The outward journey was smooth
outside

Describes something that is not inside a particular place or area, or refers to the area beyond a specified boundary. Frequently used in everyday situations.

  • The kids are playing outside
  • Leave your shoes outside the door

Examples of usage

  • She turned her gaze outwards, towards the horizon.
  • The doors opened outwards, allowing fresh air to enter the room.
Context #2 | Adverb

behavior

In a way that is open and expressive, without hiding one's feelings or thoughts.

Synonyms

expressively, openly.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
outwards

Use this word when discussing physical or directional movement away from a central point.

  • The door opens outwards.
openly

Applicable when talking about honesty and transparency without hiding anything.

  • He openly admitted his mistake.
expressively

This word is suitable when describing someone who shows their emotions, thoughts, or feelings in a vivid or dramatic way.

  • She spoke expressively, capturing everyone's attention.

Examples of usage

  • She spoke outwards about her concerns.
  • He always behaves outwards, never hiding his emotions.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Studies indicate that focusing on outwards perceptions can lead to greater awareness of the world around us, benefiting mental health.
  • Outwards movement can symbolize personal growth, as we step out of comfort zones to explore new experiences.

Geography

  • In geography, urban sprawl refers to cities expanding outwards into surrounding areas, affecting landscapes and communities.
  • Natural phenomena, such as the spreading of roots or branches from a tree, exemplify outwards growth in nature.

Cultural Context

  • In many cultures, the act of reaching outwards is a gesture of welcome and friendliness, promoting connections between people.
  • Art forms often portray subjects moving outwards, either physically or emotionally, symbolizing liberation and expression.

Science

  • In physics, the concept of forces acting outwards can describe how objects expand or push away from one another, like gas particles in a balloon.
  • The universe is constantly expanding outwards, suggesting that galaxies are moving away from each other over time.

Origin of 'outwards'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'outwards' comes from the Old English 'ลซtwards', where 'ลซ' means 'out' and 'weard' means 'toward'.
  • The term has evolved over centuries to describe direction and movement both physically and figuratively.

The word 'outwards' originated from the combination of 'out' and 'wards', both of which have Old English roots. 'Out' means 'away from the inside', while 'wards' is a directional suffix indicating movement in a particular direction. The word has been used in English since the 16th century, evolving to its current form as an adverb indicating direction or behavior.

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

Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,703, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.