# outwards

/ˈaʊtwɝdz/ (US) · /ˈaʊtwədz/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adverb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/outwards
Updated: 2026-05-18

## Definition

away from the center of something or toward the outside. You use this to describe movement or direction that goes from the middle to the edge.

For teachers: away from the center or toward the exterior. Often used to describe physical movement or the direction of a force.

## Examples

- The river flows outwards from the mountain.
- The pressure inside the balloon caused the rubber to stretch outwards until it reached its maximum size.
- The expansion of the universe is characterized by the movement of galaxies outwards from a central point, a phenomenon that continues to accelerate according to modern astrophysical observations.

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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.