inwardly

adverb

in·​ward·​ly ˈin-wərd-lē How to pronounce inwardly (audio)
1
: in the innermost being : mentally, spiritually
2
a
: beneath the surface : internally
bled inwardly
b
: to oneself : privately
cursed inwardly

Examples of inwardly in a Sentence

She was outwardly calm but inwardly nervous.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The level of outward emotional expression here is simply kept at a level true to figures who may inwardly be reaching their boiling point, but are still held back by self-respect and polite manners. Dennis Harvey, Variety, 12 Dec. 2024 Byrne’s Beckett may be less austere, outwardly and inwardly, than the author’s prevailing image. Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 9 Aug. 2024 He was reserved and inwardly cast, there but somehow lost in his mind. Nathan Heller, Vogue, 8 Aug. 2024 The house gets its name from its inwardly sloped rooflines, which resemble butterfly wings. Emma Reynolds, Robb Report, 2 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for inwardly 

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of inwardly was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near inwardly

Cite this Entry

“Inwardly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inwardly. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

inwardly

adverb
in·​ward·​ly ˈin-wərd-lē How to pronounce inwardly (audio)
1
: in the mind or spirit
2
a
: on the inside
bled inwardly
b
: to oneself : privately
chuckled inwardly
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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