Word
outwardly
Phoneticsout·ward·ly, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈaʊtwɝdɫi/
UK/ˈaʊtwədli/
Adverb of manner
Definition
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.
Examples
“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.”
Examples
simple
“She remained outwardly calm despite the bad news.”
contextual
“Outwardly, the company appeared successful, but internally it was struggling with massive debt.”
complex
“Though he was outwardly confident during the presentation, he later admitted to feeling a profound sense of imposter syndrome throughout the entire event.”
Usage
Typically placed before an adjective or at the beginning of a clause to set a contrast.
Real-World Examples
“They may appear outwardly calm while it happens and then leave the session as they typically would – checking out, providing payment and possibly even scheduling the next appointment.” “Outwardly, Gotham made no mention that one would replace the other.” Etymology
From Middle English outwardly, outwardli, utwardliche, equivalent to outward + -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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