# outward

/ˈaʊtwɝd/ (US) · /ˈaʊtwəd/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/outward
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. visible appearance

adjective · CEFR B2

relating to how something looks on the outside, which might be different from how it really is.

For teachers: 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.

### 2. located on the outside

adjective · CEFR B2

located on or facing the outside of something.

For teachers: 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.

### 3. moving away from the center

adverb · CEFR B2

moving or pointing away from the center or towards the outside.

For teachers: 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.

### 4. nautical travel

adjective · CEFR C1 · Formal

describes a journey or ship moving away from a home port.

For teachers: 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'.

## Examples

- She maintained an outward appearance of calm during the interview.
- Despite his outward confidence, he felt extremely nervous about the presentation.
- The company's outward success masked a series of internal financial crises that eventually led to its sudden collapse.

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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.