Inwards

Inwards (also spelled inwards) is an adverb indicating movement or direction toward the inside or center of something. It signifies a course of action or thought directed internally, or to the interior. It can describe physical movement, like turning a key, or a more abstract concept, such as reflection or introspection. Often implying enclosure or containment, it suggests a convergence or concentration upon a specific point within. The word highlights a shift from an external to an internal focus. It can apply to both tangible objects and intangible aspects, such as thoughts and feelings.

Inwards meaning with examples

• The sailors hauled the ropes Inwards, bringing the sails closer to the mast in preparation for the storm. The movement was slow, deliberate, and aimed to protect the ship from the harsh elements. Every pull was synchronized, a coordinated effort to secure the essential components and navigate the vessel to safety. They felt safer as the sails were pulled in.
• During the stressful meeting, she felt her gaze turn inwards. She needed to find a way to understand the reason why her heart was beating so fast, the pressure building within, forcing her into the space between panic and calmness. She knew the meeting meant she could lose all she'd worked for and decided to center herself before answering.
• The sculptor carefully curved the clay Inwards, shaping the contours of the vessel and giving it more form. The meticulous process required attention to detail and a steady hand. His hands, moving slowly over the clay, defined the shape of the new sculpture piece. Each curve gave the piece more detail, as he knew the finished piece would need to be balanced.
• As the building started to crumble the collapsing debris fell Inwards, creating a dangerous situation for anyone too close. The force of the destruction demonstrated the power of physics at work, as all objects gravitated toward the center. No one could get close, or they would not survive the wreckage that was coming.