Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Directed toward the outside or away from a central point: Describes something moving, facing, or relating to the external world or physical appearance.
   • Relating to the physical or external aspect as opposed to the inner nature or mind: Concerned with what is visible, tangible, or superficial rather than thoughts, feelings, or spiritual reality.

2. Adverb:

   • Toward the outside; away from a center or a point of reference: Indicates direction of movement or orientation.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:

  • The outward appearance of the building was impressive, but the interior needed work. (The external, visible look of the building was impressive.)
  • Despite her outward calm, she was very nervous inside. (Her visible, surface-level calm contrasted with her inner feelings.)
  • The ship is ready for its outward voyage. (The ship is ready for its journey away from its home port.)

• Adverb:

  • He turned the handle outward to open the door. (He turned the handle in a direction away from its center or toward the outside.)
  • The city expanded outward from the old port. (The city grew in a direction away from its original central point.)

Advanced Usage

• "Outward-bound": Heading away from a place, especially on a journey.
  • The outward-bound flights were all delayed due to the storm.
• "To all outward appearances": Based on what can be seen or is obvious.
  • To all outward appearances, the deal was a success, but privately there were many problems.

Variants and Related Words

• Outwards (Adverb): A variant form of the adverb "outward," used interchangeably, especially in British English.
  • The branches spread outwards.
• Outwardness (Noun): The quality of being concerned with external things or appearances.
• Outwardly (Adverb): As appears on the surface; externally.
  • He was outwardly friendly but secretly resentful.

Synonyms

• Adjective: External, exterior, outer, surface, superficial, visible, apparent.
• Adverb: Out, outside, outwardly, away.

Antonyms

• Adjective: Inward, inner, internal, interior, intrinsic.
• Adverb: Inward, inside, inward.

Related Phrases

• Outward journey/leg: The part of a trip that takes one away from the starting point.
  • The outward journey was by train; we'll fly back.
• Outward form: The external shape or appearance.
  • The outward form of the ceremony has changed little over centuries.

Adjective

1. that is going out or leaving
   • the departing train
   • an outward journey
   • outward-bound ships
2. relating to physical reality rather than with thoughts or the mind
   • a concern with outward beauty rather than with inward reflections

Adverb

1. toward the outside
   • move the needle further outward!