# outwardly

/ˈaʊtwɝdɫi/ (US) · /ˈaʊtwədli/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adverb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/outwardly
Updated: 2026-05-11

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

## Usage notes

- Typically placed before an adjective or at the beginning of a clause to set a contrast.

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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.