adj
outward
OWT-wuhd
adj
1
Relating to the outside or exterior; visible on the surface.
"Despite the outward calm, she was terrified inside."
"His outward appearance gave no hint of his illness."
adv
1
Toward the outside; away from the center.
"The door swings outward."
How to Use Outward
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo do with the outside or surface of something, as opposed to what's underneath or inside.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
outward appearance
outward calm
outward journey
Word Forms
more outward comparative, more outward comparative, outwarded past tense, outwards plural, outwards singular, most outward superlative, most outward superlative
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Despite the _____ calm, she was terrified inside.
Etymology
From Old English utweard, built from out + -ward, the same suffix meaning "in the direction of" found in "forward" and "homeward."