Definition

1. Adverb:
   • Toward the outside; in an outward direction: "outwards" describes movement or orientation that proceeds from the inside toward the exterior.
   • Externally; on the outside: It can also describe the location or appearance of something as being on the external surface.

Usage and Examples

• Adverb (Direction):
  • The doors open outwards. (The doors swing open toward the outside area.)
  • She turned her palms outwards. (She rotated her hands so the palms faced away from her body.)
• Adverb (External Appearance/Location):
  • The house is plain but cheerful outwards. (The external appearance of the house is simple but pleasant.)
  • The pressure is exerted outwards. (The force is applied in a direction away from the center.)

Advanced Usage

• "from the inside outwards": describing a process or expansion originating internally and moving to the exterior.
  • The city grew from the old port outwards. (The city expanded, starting at the old port and moving toward the surrounding areas.)
• Used to describe the focus of attention or influence extending from a central point.
  • His influence spread outwards from the capital. (His influence extended from the capital city to other regions.)

Variants and Related Words

• Outward (adjective): Relating to the outside or external appearance.
  • There was no outward sign of damage. (There was no visible external indication of damage.)
• Outwardly (adverb): As seen from the outside; superficially.
  • He remained outwardly calm. (He appeared calm on the surface.)

Synonyms

• Externally: On or from the outside.
• Outward: Toward the outside (often interchangeable with "outwards").
• Outwardly: In respect to outward appearance.

Antonyms

• Inwards: Toward the inside.
• Inwardly: On the inside; within.

Related Phrases

• Face outwards: To be oriented with the front or surface pointing toward the outside.
  • Please ensure all books on the shelf face outwards. (Please arrange all books so their covers are visible from the aisle.)
• Bend outwards: To curve or flex in an external direction.
  • The metal bar bent outwards under the force. (The metal bar curved away from the point of pressure.)

Adverb

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