How to pronounce outward
Say it like OW-twerd. Outward has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (OW).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce outward. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- OW
- twerd
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Outward pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- OWSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ow" in now.
- twerdKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of outward
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: OW-twud.
What does outward mean?
- relating to physical reality rather than with thoughts or the mind“a concern with outward beauty rather than with inward reflections”
- that is going out or leaving“the departing train”“an outward journey”
- toward the outside“move the needle further outward!”
Where does outward come from?
From Middle English outward, from Old English ūtweard, equivalent to out + -ward.
Similar and opposite words
Opposite meaning
Questions about saying outward
How do you pronounce outward?
Say OW-twerd. The American pronunciation is /ˈaʊtwɚd/. In British English it is /ˈaʊtwəd/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in outward?
Outward has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (OW). Broken into parts: OW · twerd.
Is outward pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ˈaʊtwəd/ (OW-twud).