inwardly

American  

[in-werd-lee] / ˈɪn wərd li /

adverb

1. in or on, or with reference to, the inside or inner part; internally.

2. privately; secretly.

   Inwardly, he disliked his guest.

3. within the self; mentally or spiritually.

   Look inwardly to discover the truth.

4. in low or soft tones; not aloud.

5. toward the inside, interior, or center.

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inwardly British  

/ ˈɪnwədlɪ /

adverb

1. within the private thoughts or feelings; secretly

   inwardly troubled, he kept smiling

2. not aloud

   to laugh inwardly

3. with reference to the inside or inner part; internally

4. archaic intimately; essentially

   the most inwardly concerned of the plotters

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Etymology

Origin of inwardly

First recorded before 1000; Middle English inwardli, Old English inweardlīce; see inward, -ly

Example Sentences

"I'm inwardly happy, but if there was a game next week it would be a tough review and there would be a lot of things to improve."

From BBC • Nov. 24, 2024

The empire changed enormously during Chinggis Khan’s reign, becoming more inwardly peaceful but also much more materialistic in its tastes.

From Textbooks • Apr. 19, 2023

“Happily” is so inwardly focused that Mark’s magic can’t always touch what’s going on around her and us.

From Washington Post • Apr. 11, 2023

He’s entirely believable as the outwardly impressive but inwardly insecure academic, desperate to maintain a sunny outlook even under fast-darkening skies.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 28, 2022

Well, I sighed inwardly, it could have been worse; it could have been Treebaun again.

From "Glitch" by Laura Martin

Related Words

• internally
• within