INWARDLOOKING Meaning and
Definition
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The term "inward-looking" refers to a mindset or approach that is primarily focused on internal matters, often to the exclusion or neglect of external factors. It describes an individual, organization, or society that primarily directs its attention and resources towards its own needs, concerns, and goals rather than engaging with the broader world or considering the effects of its actions on others.
Inward-looking can encompass a range of attitudes and behaviors, including prioritizing self-interest over cooperation, adopting a defensive or protectionist stance, emphasizing internal development and improvement, or maintaining a closed or isolationist outlook. This orientation often involves a lack of interest or awareness regarding external developments, viewpoints, or global affairs.
On an individual level, someone who is inward-looking tends to focus on self-reflection, personal growth, and internal exploration, while perhaps disregarding or undervaluing the perspectives and experiences of others.
In the context of business and economics, an inward-looking approach may involve a company's concentration on its internal operations, profitability, and market share, while neglecting market trends, global competition, or potential collaborations.
Inward-looking policies can also be observed in political systems, where a government's primary focus is on maintaining domestic order and stability, resisting foreign influence, and safeguarding the interests and welfare of its citizens—often at the expense of engaging with international affairs or pursuing global cooperation.
Inward-looking behaviors and attitudes can have both positive and negative implications. While a certain degree of self-focus is essential for personal and organizational development, excessive inwardness can lead to insularity, stagnation, missed opportunities, and a limited understanding of the broader world.
Common Misspellings for INWARDLOOKING
- inwards-looking
- inward-looking
- unwardlooking
- jnwardlooking
- knwardlooking
- onwardlooking
- 9nwardlooking
- 8nwardlooking
- ibwardlooking
- imwardlooking
- ijwardlooking
- ihwardlooking
- inqardlooking
- inaardlooking
- insardlooking
- ineardlooking
- in3ardlooking
- in2ardlooking
- inwzrdlooking
- inwsrdlooking
Etymology of INWARDLOOKING
The word "inwardlooking" is a combination of the prefix "inward" and the suffix "-looking".
The prefix "inward" comes from Middle English "inwarde", which evolved from Old English "inweard", meaning "toward the inside" or "into the mind or soul". It is derived from "in", meaning "within" or "inside", and "weard", meaning "direction" or "toward".
The suffix "-looking" is derived from the verb "look", which comes from Old English "lōcian". It refers to the act of directing one's gaze or attention towards something.
Therefore, the combined word "inwardlooking" refers to the act of looking inward or directing one's attention, thoughts, or focus towards one's inner thoughts, emotions, or introspection.
