inwardly

[ in-werd-lee ]

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.

inwardly

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of inwardly¹

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

Example Sentences

"I probably didn't show it, but inwardly I was obviously very happy," he said.

From BBC

Byrne’s Beckett may be less austere, outwardly and inwardly, than the author’s prevailing image.

From Los Angeles Times

The show had turned him into a celebrity and he received 10 million yen in compensation, but inwardly he still felt shattered and alone.

From New York Times

When the trees were in the full flame of autumn’s fire, Abel wandered aimlessly over the island until the sight of the high color had him glowing inwardly with sensations of yellow, orange, and red.

From Literature

The inwardly arcing run-up was just the same, and after eight months between spells Stokes did not need a loosener.

From BBC

Related Words

• internally
• within