inside

 

noun

Pronunciation: /ɪnˈsʌɪd/
  • 1 [usually in singular] the inner side or surface of something: wipe the inside of the windscreen
  • the part of a road furthest from the centre: overtaking on the inside
  • the part of a path nearer to a wall or further from a road.
  • the side of a bend where the edge or surface is shorter: the inside of the bend
  • 2the inner part; the interior: the inside of the car was like an oven
  • (insides) informal a person’s stomach and bowels: my insides are out of order

adjective

Pronunciation: /ˈɪnsʌɪd/
[attributive]
  • 1situated on or in the inside: an inside pocket
  • (in hockey, soccer, and other sports) denoting positions nearer to the centre of the field: an inside forward
  • 2known or done by someone within a group or organization: they were accused of selling shares while in possession of inside information

preposition & adverb

Pronunciation: /ɪnˈsʌɪd/
  • 1situated within the confines of (something): [as preposition]: a radio was playing inside the flat [as adverb]: Mr Jackson is waiting for you inside
  • moving so as to end up within (something): [as preposition]: Anatoly reached inside his shirt and brought out a map [as adverb]: we walked inside
  • within (a person’s body or mind), typically with reference to sensations of self-awareness: [as preposition]: she felt a stirring of life inside her I just roll the phrases round inside my head [as adverb]: I was screaming inside
  • informal in prison: she was sentenced to three years inside
  • (in soccer, rugby, and other sports) closer to the centre of the field than (another player): [as preposition]: he went inside Graves and scored near the post
  • 2 [preposition] in less than (the period of time specified): the oven will have paid for itself inside 18 months

Phrases

inside of

informal
within: something inside of me wanted to believe him
in less than (the period of time specified): preparing a ship for a voyage inside of a week

on the inside

informal in a position affording private information: will you be my spy on the inside?

Origin:

late Middle English (denoting the interior of the body): from in + side