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inbound

Intermediate (B1)

IPA: /ˈɪnˌbaʊnd/

KK: /ˈɪnˌbaʊnd/

adjective
Definition

Referring to something that is coming in or directed towards a particular place, especially in terms of transportation or communication.


Example

The company is focusing on improving its inbound marketing strategies to attract more customers.


Conversation
Sloth A
Have you seen the inbound train schedule for today?
Sloth B
Yeah, I checked earlier, and it looks pretty packed.
Sloth A
I guess everyone is coming back from the holidays on those inbound trains.
Sloth B
Definitely! We should leave early to avoid the crowds.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
incoming
approaching
arriving
Antonyms
outbound
departing
leaving
intransitive verb
Definition

To move or be directed towards a point or location, especially in a way that is coming in or arriving.


Example

The team executed an inbound pass to start the game.


Tense Forms

Past: inbounded

Past Participle: inbounded


Conversation
Sloth A
Did you see that last game where he made an incredible inbound pass?
Sloth B
Yeah, it was so smooth! I can't believe how well he executed it.
Sloth A
I know, right? It's like he knew exactly where his teammate would be.
transitive verb
Definition

To pass the ball from outside the playing area to a teammate on the court, allowing the game to continue.


Example

The player inbounded the ball to his teammate after it went out of bounds.


Tense Forms

Past: inbounded

Past Participle: inbounded


Conversation
Sloth A
Did you see that last play?
Sloth B
Yeah, it was amazing how he inbounded the ball so quickly!
Sloth A
Right? He really knows how to inbound under pressure.
Sloth B
Root Explanation

**Inbound** → It is formed from "in-" (meaning in or into) and "bound" (from Old English "bund", meaning to tie or bind). The word "inbound" refers to something that is tied or directed into a place or area.

Memory Tip

Think of something that is 'tied into' a location — 'in-' means into, and 'bound' relates to being tied.

Visually Confused Words
skinbound
rainbound
ironbound
unbound
inwound
bound
icebound
airbound
Is this page helpful?
Sloth B
Absolutely! That kind of skill really makes a difference in the game.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
arrive
come
enter
Antonyms
depart
leave
exit
Totally! That was a game-changer.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
pass
send
deliver
Antonyms
receive
take
withhold