inwardly
adv. manner B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈɪnwɝdɫi// UK //ˈɪnwədli// in·ward·ly
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.
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.
From inward + -ly.