inward-facing
|in-ward-face-ing|
🇺🇸
/ˈɪnwərdˈfeɪsɪŋ/
🇬🇧
/ˈɪnwədˈfeɪsɪŋ/
oriented toward the inside
Etymology
'inward-facing' originates from Modern English, a compound of 'inward' and 'facing', where 'inward' meant 'toward the inside' and 'face' (in the form 'facing') comes from the verb 'to face' meaning 'to turn or be directed toward'.
'inward' comes from Old English 'inweard' (from 'in-' + 'weard' meaning 'toward'), while the verb 'face' entered English via Old French 'face' and ultimately from Latin 'facies' meaning 'form' or 'appearance'. The compound form arose in Modern English by combining these elements to describe orientation toward an interior or inner aspect.
Initially the components described a literal physical orientation ('toward the inside' + 'turning toward'), but over time the compound also developed a figurative meaning of being focused on inner feelings or internal aspects.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
directed toward the interior; having the face or opening turned toward the inside of something.
The building has inward-facing windows to increase privacy.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Adjective 2
focused on inner feelings, thoughts, or internal aspects rather than external ones (figurative use).
After the loss, he became more inward-facing and spent a lot of time reflecting.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/10/21 05:50