# inwards

/ˈɪnwədz/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adverb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/inwards
Updated: 2026-05-19

## Definition

toward the center of something or toward the inside of a place. You use this to describe movement or direction toward a middle point.

For teachers: 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.