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

See Examples For:

inwardly

"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

Thomas groaned inwardly as he stepped inside and saw the one piece of furniture—an ugly, rickety chair with one leg obviously shorter than the rest, probably on purpose.

From "The Maze Runner" by James Dashner

Related Words

• internally
• within