# internally

/ˌɪnˈtɝnəɫi/ (US) · /ɪntˈɜːnəli/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/internally
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. inside a body or object

adverb · CEFR B2

inside the body or within the physical limits of an object.

For teachers: within the interior of a physical structure or biological organism.

- The medicine works internally to reduce pain throughout your body.
- The scan revealed that the patient was bleeding internally, necessitating immediate surgical intervention to locate the source.

Usage: Often used in medical contexts to describe processes not visible on the surface.

### 2. within an organisation

adverb · CEFR B2 · Academic

inside a company or group rather than involving people from outside.

For teachers: relating to the inner workings or domestic affairs of an institution or organisation.

- The company decided to hire someone internally for the manager job.
- The board preferred to resolve the dispute internally rather than risking a public scandal by involving outside mediators.

Usage: Common in business and legal English when discussing policy or recruitment.

### 3. in one's mind

adverb · CEFR C1 · Literary

inside your own mind or thoughts without showing it to others.

For teachers: within the mind or soul; not expressed or manifested outwardly.

- She was screaming internally, but her face remained calm and professional.
- He processed the criticism internally for several days before finally offering a measured response to his colleagues.

Usage: Frequently used to describe emotional states that contrast with a person's outward appearance.

## Examples

- The company decided to hire for the new role internally.
- The medicine works internally to reduce inflammation before it reaches the skin's surface.
- While the government presented a unified front to the public, the cabinet was internally divided over the proposed tax reforms.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.