Inward vs. Inwards — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 3, 2024
Inward describes a direction towards the inside, while inwards can mean the same but is often used adverbially.
Difference Between Inward and Inwards
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Inward serves both as an adjective and an adverb, primarily focusing on the direction or orientation towards the center or inside of something. For example, as an adjective, it might describe thoughts or feelings directed towards oneself, indicating introspection or self-reflection. As an adverb, it describes motion towards the inside, such as "moving inward." Inwards, predominantly an adverb, is used interchangeably with "inward" when describing motion or direction towards the inside. Its usage emphasizes the action of moving or looking towards the center or interior of an object or space. While "inward" can also function in these contexts, "inwards" is less commonly used as an adjective.
The choice between "inward" and "inwards" often comes down to regional preferences or stylistic considerations in writing and speech. In some English dialects, "inwards" is more commonly used, while in others, "inward" is preferred for both adjectival and adverbial forms.
Despite these nuances, the distinction between "inward" and "inwards" does not significantly affect their meaning when used as adverbs. The context usually makes clear whether the term is being used to describe physical movement towards an interior point or metaphorical movement, such as turning one's thoughts inward.
Both "inward" and "inwards" contribute to the richness of English, offering subtle variations for expressing directions or orientations. Their interchangeable use as adverbs highlights the flexibility of English in accommodating personal or regional linguistic preferences.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Toward the inside or center, functioning as both an adjective and an adverb.
Predominantly an adverb, meaning towards the inside or center.
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Common Usage
Can describe direction, orientation, or the nature of thoughts and feelings.
Mainly used to describe motion or direction towards an object’s interior.
Adjectival Use
Yes, e.g., "inward feelings."
Rarely used as an adjective.
Adverbial Use
Yes, e.g., "moving inward."
Yes, e.g., "stepping inwards."
Regional Preference
Varied, with "inward" being commonly used in both American and British English.
Preference for "inwards" can be regional, with some dialects favoring this form.
Compare with Definitions
Inward
Towards the inside or center of something.
She glanced inward at the museum's atrium.
Inwards
Into or toward the inside of a building, room, or container.
She peered inwards through the open window.
Inward
Directed or proceeding toward the inside; inner.
He felt an inward happiness that radiated outward.
Inwards
Towards the inside or center.
He stepped inwards, away from the doorway.
Inward
Relating to the mind or spirit, often involving introspection.
His inward contemplation revealed much about his character.
Inwards
Toward the middle of a space.
The path leads inwards, winding through the forest.
Inward
Located on the inside; internal.
The inward mechanisms of the clock were intricately designed.
Inwards
Into a state of introspection or internal focus.
In moments of solitude, she turned her thoughts inwards.
Inward
Into the mind or soul, implying a reflective or introspective direction.
Meditation encourages looking inward for peace and clarity.
Inwards
Towards a deeper or more central part of a physical body or structure.
The surgeon's tool moved inwards, delicately navigating.
Inward
Located inside; inner.
Inwards
Located inside; inner.
Inward
Directed or moving toward the interior
An inward flow.
Inwards
Directed or moving toward the interior
An inward flow.
Inward
Of, relating to, or existing in the thoughts or mind
Inward doubts.
Inwards
Of, relating to, or existing in the thoughts or mind
Inward doubts.
Inward
Intimate; familiar
Is inward with the right people.
Inwards
Intimate; familiar
Is inward with the right people.
Inward
Toward the inside, center, or interior.
Inwards
Toward the inside, center, or interior.
Inward
Toward the mind or the self
Thoughts turned inward.
Inwards
Toward the mind or the self
Thoughts turned inward.
Inward
An inner or central part.
Inwards
An inner or central part.
Inward
An inner essence or spirit.
Inwards
An inner essence or spirit.
Inward
Inwards Entrails; innards.
Inwards
Inwards Entrails; innards.
Inward
Situated on the inside; that is within, inner; belonging to the inside.
Inwards
Towards the inside.
Inward
Not superficially obvious, inner, not expressed, especially relating to mental or spiritual faculties as opposed to external ones.
Inwards
Archaic form of innards
Inward
Moving or tending toward the inside.
Inwards
See Inward.
Inward
Not directed toward the outside world, and thus quiet or indistinct.
Inwards
To or toward the inside of;
Come in
Smash in the door
Inward
(obsolete) Internal to a particular place or country; not foreign, domestic.
Inwards
Toward the center or interior;
Move the needle further inwards!
Inward
(obsolete) Secret, private, kept hidden.
Inward
(obsolete) Coming from one’s inmost or sincerest feelings; heartfelt, earnest.
Inward
(obsolete) Intimate, closely acquainted; familiar, close.
Inward
(obsolete) Devoted to spiritual matters, pious, devout.
Inward
Tame.
Inward
Internal; applied through the stomach by being swallowed.
Inward
Towards the inside.
Inward
Towards one’s mind, thoughts, or internal self.
Inward
(obsolete) On the inside, within, inside.
Inward
(obsolete) In one’s mind, thoughts, or internal self.
Inward
That which is inward or within; the inner parts or organs of the body; the viscera.
Inward
The mental faculties or other characteristics not immediately apparent.
Inward
(obsolete) A familiar friend or acquaintance.
Inward
Being or placed within; inner; interior; - opposed to outward.
Inward
Seated in the mind, heart, spirit, or soul.
Inward
Intimate; domestic; private.
All my inward friends abhorred me.
He had had occasion, by one very inward with him, to know in part the discourse of his life.
Inward
That which is inward or within; especially, in the plural, the inner parts or organs of the body; the viscera.
Then sacrificing, laid the inwards and their fat.
Inward
The mental faculties; - usually pl.
Inward
An intimate or familiar friend or acquaintance.
Inward
Toward the inside; toward the center or interior; as, to bend a thing inward.
Inward
Into, or toward, the mind or thoughts; inwardly; as, to turn the attention inward.
So much the rather, thou Celestial Light,Shine inward.
Inward
Relating to or existing in the mind or thoughts;
A concern with inward reflections
Inward
Directed or moving inward or toward a center;
The inbound train
Inward flood of capital
Inward
Toward the center or interior;
Move the needle further inwards!
Inward
To or toward the inside of;
Come in
Smash in the door
Common Curiosities
Is there a significant difference between "inward" and "inwards"?
The difference is subtle, mainly in usage; "inward" can be an adjective and adverb, while "inwards" is primarily an adverb.
Can "inward" and "inwards" be used interchangeably as adverbs?
Yes, they can often be used interchangeably when indicating direction towards the inside or center.
When should I use "inward" as an adjective?
Use "inward" as an adjective when describing something internal or directed towards the inside, such as feelings or mechanisms.
Are "inward" and "inwards" used differently in American and British English?
There might be slight preferences for one over the other in different English dialects, but both forms are understood and used in both American and British English.
Is one form more correct than the other?
No, the choice between "inward" and "inwards" is largely a matter of regional dialect or personal preference.
Can "inwards" function as an adjective?
It is rare and not standard; "inwards" is predominantly used as an adverb.
Do "inward" and "inwards" have different implications in introspective contexts?
Not significantly; both can imply a direction of focus or thought towards one's inner self or emotions.
Can the use of "inward" or "inwards" affect the tone of my writing?
Subtly, depending on the context and the familiarity of your audience with either form, but the overall meaning remains clear.
How can I decide which word to use in my writing?
Consider the role of the word in your sentence (adjective vs. adverb) and your regional or stylistic preference.
Is it important to be consistent in using either "inward" or "inwards" in a piece of writing?
For stylistic consistency, it's advisable to choose one form and stick with it throughout a piece of writing, unless varying usage for specific effects or nuances.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
