inwardly

adverb

in·​ward·​ly ˈin-wərd-lē 

1

: in the innermost being : mentally, spiritually

2

a

: beneath the surface : internally

bled inwardly

b

: to oneself : privately

cursed inwardly

Example Sentences

She was outwardly calm but inwardly nervous.

Recent Examples on the Web

But the really significant stuff, and drama, too, is there or will be there, if it’s recognized, acknowledged and examined inwardly, candidly, closely. —Gordon Monson, The Salt Lake Tribune, 25 July 2022

The other co-director, Jimmy Donohue doubles as a cast member, setting the furious pace as William Barfée, the outwardly overconfident (yet inwardly insecure) champion who spells with his feet. —Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 26 Jan. 2023

And by setting his story among these outwardly peaceful, inwardly passionate believers, Banks has created another fascinating volume in his exploration of the American experience. —Ron Charles, Washington Post, 29 Nov. 2022

But is the outwardly happy couple inwardly troubled? —Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 28 Oct. 2022

There are moments in the film where, outwardly, little is happening, but, inwardly, time seems to dilate to an epochal scale. —Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 1 Nov. 2022

But inwardly Kim was struggling with her mental health after the Olympics. —Macaela Mackenzie, Glamour, 28 Oct. 2022

Films and works of fiction about artists inwardly interrogating their origins, memories, country and legacy could be said to make up a genre of a kind. —Patrick Brzeski, The Hollywood Reporter, 28 Oct. 2022

Self-care regimes focus on cultivation of a mindful, inwardly focused life. —Jeffrey A. Hall, WSJ, 11 Aug. 2022

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Word History

First Known Use

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

Kids Definition

inwardly

adverb

in·​ward·​ly ˈin-wərd-lē 

1

: in the mind or spirit

2

a

: on the inside

bled inwardly

b

: to oneself : privately

chuckled inwardly