inner
- 01 B1 Intermediate
adj.located inside something or further toward the center.
adj.situated further within or closer to the center of a physical structure or area.
Simple“The inner rooms of the castle were much warmer than the ones near the entrance.”
In context“The architect designed the inner courtyard to be a sanctuary of silence, shielded from the street noise by thick stone walls.”
UsageUsually placed before the noun; non-gradable.
- 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
adj.relating to your private thoughts, feelings, or spirit.
adj.pertaining to the mind, spirit, or psychological processes, often involving private or unexpressed feelings.
Simple“She found inner peace through daily meditation and quiet walks.”
In context“The novel explores the protagonist's inner conflict as he struggles to reconcile his personal ambitions with his family's expectations.”
UsageCommonly used in collocations like 'inner peace', 'inner child', or 'inner thoughts'.
Synonyms - 03 C1 Advanced
adj.not obvious or only known to a small, private group.
adj.not apparent or expressed; relating to a privileged or exclusive circle of influence.
Simple“Only the president's inner circle knew about the secret plan.”
In context“The journalist spent months trying to gain access to the party's inner workings to understand how decisions were truly made.”
Teacher's tipOften used with 'circle' or 'workings' to describe how power functions in an organization.
- 04 C2 Proficiency
n.the ring on a target that is just outside the very center.
n.the second circle on a competition target, situated between the bullseye and the outer rings.
Simple“The archer was disappointed that her arrow hit the inner rather than the bullseye.”
In context“Scoring an inner earns fewer points than a direct hit on the gold, yet it remains a mark of significant precision in competitive shooting.”
- 05 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.the soft inside part of a duvet or quilt.
n.the internal padded component of a duvet, excluding the decorative outer cover.
Simple“It was so cold that I had to buy a thicker inner for my duvet.”
In context“The shop sells the duvet covers separately from the inners, allowing customers to mix and match different weights and styles.”
Teacher's tipThis usage is specific to South African English; in the UK or US, people usually say 'duvet' or 'comforter insert'.
Usage inner workings
“If you are taking any exit after the first, you must enter the inner lane, stay inside, and only move to the outer lane right before your exit.”
“A Caltech led team used Webb to study Neptune's rings along with three of its inner moons, Larissa, Galatea, and Proteus.”