Word
outward
Phoneticsout·ward, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈaʊtwɝd/
UK/ˈaʊtwəd/
Definitions
01visible appearance
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. relating to how something looks on the outside, which might be different from how it really is.
adj. relating to the external appearance or visible surface of something, often contrasted with its internal reality.
“Despite his outward calm, he was actually very nervous about the interview.”
“The company maintained an outward appearance of prosperity while its internal financial records told a much more troubling story.”
02located on the outside
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. located on or facing the outside of something.
adj. situated on or directed toward the exterior or outside.
“The outward walls of the castle were over three meters thick.”
“The outward surface of the spacecraft was coated in a heat-resistant ceramic to survive the friction of re-entry.”
03moving away from the center
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adv. moving or pointing away from the center or towards the outside.
adv. moving or directed away from a central point or towards the exterior.
“The door opens outward, so make sure you have enough space to stand back.”
“As the star collapsed, it released a massive shockwave that travelled outward through the surrounding gas clouds.”
04nautical travel
C1 · Advanced Formal
adj. describes a journey or ship moving away from a home port.
adj. denoting a journey or vessel departing from a home port toward a foreign destination.
“The outward journey to Australia took several weeks by ship.”
“The outward voyage was plagued by heavy storms, delaying the merchant vessel's arrival at the colonial trading post.”
Usage
Often used in the phrase 'outward bound'.
Real-World Examples
“For all the difficulty presented by the weight cut, there was little outward sign of Benn being weighed down by the occasion.” “For thousands of years, coral reefs have survived rising seas by building themselves upward and outward over time.” Etymology
From Middle English outward, from Old English ūtweard, equivalent to out + -ward.
From out- + ward.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
Domain
- 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.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL 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: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/outward