Word
inwards
Phoneticsin·wards
UK/ˈɪnwədz/
Definition
adv. toward the center of something or toward the inside of a place. You use this to describe movement or direction toward a middle point.
adv. toward the center of an object or toward the interior of a space. Often used in literary or formal contexts to describe physical or metaphorical movement toward a central point.
Examples
“The river flows inwards toward the center of the lake.”
“The crowd began to move inwards as the performance started and the lights dimmed.”
“The architect designed the building with a series of inward-facing courtyards to create a sense of privacy and intimacy within the urban environment.”
Examples
simple
“The river flows inwards toward the center of the lake.”
contextual
“The crowd began to move inwards as the performance started and the lights dimmed.”
complex
“The architect designed the building with a series of inward-facing courtyards to create a sense of privacy and intimacy within the urban environment.”
Real-World Examples
“When this country feels unfair, people turn inwards.” “In a high-energy professional debut, she charms with her enthusiasm enough to carry us through the distressing times when Chris turns inwards or lashes out as facts and emotions become too much to process.” Etymology
From in + -wards.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/inwards