Word
inwardly
Phoneticsin·ward·ly, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈɪnwɝdɫi/
UK/ˈɪnwədli/
Adverb of manner
Definition
adv. in a way that is hidden or private. You use this to describe feelings or thoughts that someone keeps inside rather than showing them to others.
adv. in a manner that is internal or private; not expressed outwardly. Often used to describe suppressed emotions or secret thoughts.
Examples
“She smiled outwardly but was inwardly worried.”
“Although he nodded in agreement with the plan, he was inwardly resisting the change to his daily routine.”
“The diplomat maintained a calm and professional exterior, yet inwardly he was struggling to reconcile the conflicting demands of his superiors and his own moral compass.”
Examples
simple
“She smiled outwardly but was inwardly worried.”
contextual
“Although he nodded in agreement with the plan, he was inwardly resisting the change to his daily routine.”
complex
“The diplomat maintained a calm and professional exterior, yet inwardly he was struggling to reconcile the conflicting demands of his superiors and his own moral compass.”
Etymology
From inward + -ly.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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