inwardly

adverb

in·​ward·​ly ˈin-wərd-lē How to pronounce inwardly (audio)
1
: in the innermost being : mentally, spiritually
2
a
: beneath the surface : internally
bled inwardly
b
: to oneself : privately
cursed inwardly

Examples of inwardly in a Sentence

She was outwardly calm but inwardly nervous.
Recent Examples on the Web In fact, no one seemed to react (except me, inwardly!). Sara Miller Llana, The Christian Science Monitor, 18 Dec. 2023 Still, strategists’ gut instincts usually tell them how their clients have inwardly set their sights. Trip Gabriel, New York Times, 22 Aug. 2023 Indeed, the Provincial Lady — outwardly conventional — inwardly lives a rich, imaginative life. Michael Dirda, Washington Post, 5 July 2023 As a result, the outward empathy turns inwardly apathetic and stress levels rise while burnout runs rampant. Paige Francis, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2023 Among the classicists, the best was Brioni's infinitely subtle, inwardly luxurious outing. Angelo Flaccavento, CNN, 17 Jan. 2023 In many cases, however, organizations today are inwardly focused on process improvements rather than the delivery of tangible results to customers. Jeb Dasteel, Forbes, 25 Mar. 2022 His bold visions for the country’s post fossil-fuel future and domestic stability depend on inwardly investing robust oil and gas revenues. Nic Robertson, CNN, 15 Mar. 2023 Today, a spiritual concierge also grants you access, but to pandemic-proof pleasures that are more metaphysical than physical, enhancing travel that occurs not over land or sea, but inwardly, in the realms of soul and spirit — without leaving your apartment. Rhonda K. Garelick, Washington Post, 17 Nov. 2021

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'inwardly.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of inwardly was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near inwardly

Cite this Entry

“Inwardly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inwardly. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

inwardly

adverb
in·​ward·​ly ˈin-wərd-lē How to pronounce inwardly (audio)
1
: in the mind or spirit
2
a
: on the inside
bled inwardly
b
: to oneself : privately
chuckled inwardly
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