outwardly
adv. manner B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈaʊtwɝdɫi// UK //ˈaʊtwədli// out·ward·ly
adv. on the outside or in a way that people can see. You use this to describe how someone looks or acts when their true feelings might be different.
adv. in an external manner or appearance; on the surface. Often used to contrast a visible state with an underlying, hidden reality.
She remained outwardly calm despite the bad news.
Outwardly, the company appeared successful, but internally it was struggling with massive debt.
Though he was outwardly confident during the presentation, he later admitted to feeling a profound sense of imposter syndrome throughout the entire event.
From Middle English outwardly, outwardli, utwardliche, equivalent to outward + -ly.
Usage
Typically placed before an adjective or at the beginning of a clause to set a contrast.