# inward

> English word · Adjective · IPA /ˈɪnwəd/ · frequency rank #17,869

## Definitions
1. Situated on the inside; that is within, inner; belonging to the inside.
2. Not superficially obvious, inner, not expressed, especially relating to mental or spiritual faculties as opposed to external ones.
3. Moving or tending toward the inside.
4. Not directed toward the outside world, and thus quiet or indistinct.
5. Internal to a particular place or country; not foreign, domestic.
6. Secret, private, kept hidden.
7. Coming from one’s inmost or sincerest feelings; heartfelt, earnest.
8. Intimate, closely acquainted; familiar, close.
9. Devoted to spiritual matters, pious, devout.
10. Tame.
11. Internal; applied through the stomach by being swallowed.

## Etymology
From Middle English inward, from Old English inweard, corresponding to in + -ward.

## Easily confused with
- **inwards** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/inward-vs-inwards)
- **inwardly** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/inward-vs-inwardly)
- **inland** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/inland-vs-inward)
- **inlaid** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/inlaid-vs-inward)

## Common misspellings (9)
`inawrd`, `innward`, `inwadr`, `inwardd`, `inwarrd`, `inwrad`, `inwward`, `iwnard`, `niward`

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/inward