The word "outwardness" (ˈaʊtwərdnəs) describes the quality or state of being outward, or external. The spelling of this word follows the standard English phonetic rules, with the syllables "out" and "ward" represented by the letters O-U-T and W-A-R-D, respectively. The final syllable, "-ness," indicates a noun form and is pronounced as /nəs/. Overall, "outwardness" is a straightforward word to spell and pronounce, allowing for clear communication in written and spoken English.
Outwardness is a noun that refers to the quality or state of being oriented or directed towards the external world, rather than being inwardly focused. It is a characteristic that represents an individual's inclination to engage with and prioritize external entities and phenomena over internal thoughts, feelings, or introspection.
In philosophical and psychological contexts, outwardness typically depicts a preference for the outside world and the objective reality it offers. It emphasizes an individual's consciousness and orientation towards the physical and social environment. Those with a high degree of outwardness tend to be more extroverted and sociable, seeking stimulation and deriving fulfillment from external sources such as interactions with others, exploration of the physical world, or participation in various activities.
The concept of outwardness is often contrasted with inwardness, which denotes a focus on one's inner thoughts, emotions, and personal experiences. While inwardness reflects introspection, self-reflection, and contemplative tendencies, outwardness represents a proclivity towards action, engagement, and responsiveness to the external world. Inwardness and outwardness can be seen as complementary polarities, existing on a continuum rather than as mutually exclusive traits.
In sum, outwardness refers to the quality of being externally oriented, reflecting a preference for the objective reality, interaction with others, and engagement with the physical and social environment.
The word "outwardness" is derived from the combination of two words: "outward" and the suffix "-ness".
The term "outward" originated from the Old English word "uteweard", which is composed of "ute" meaning "out" and "weard" meaning "ward or direction". Over time, "uteweard" evolved into "outward" in Middle English, signifying "towards the outside" or "relating to the exterior".
The suffix "-ness" is added to adjectives to create a noun that represents the quality or state of that adjective. In this case, "-ness" is added to "outward", resulting in "outwardness", which refers to the condition or quality of being outward, external, or directed towards the outside.