outward
- 01 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.
Simple“Despite his outward calm, he was actually very nervous about the interview.”
In context“The company maintained an outward appearance of prosperity while its internal financial records told a much more troubling story.”
- 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
adj.located on or facing the outside of something.
adj.situated on or directed toward the exterior or outside.
Simple“The outward walls of the castle were over three meters thick.”
In context“The outward surface of the spacecraft was coated in a heat-resistant ceramic to survive the friction of re-entry.”
- 03 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.
Simple“The door opens outward, so make sure you have enough space to stand back.”
In context“As the star collapsed, it released a massive shockwave that travelled outward through the surrounding gas clouds.”
- 04 C1 Advanced
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.
Simple“The outward journey to Australia took several weeks by ship.”
In context“The outward voyage was plagued by heavy storms, delaying the merchant vessel's arrival at the colonial trading post.”
UsageOften used in the phrase 'outward bound'.
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.