Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
×

inwardly

adverb in·ward·ly \ ˈin-wərd-lē \
|Updated on: 16 Jun 2018

Definition of inwardly

1 : in the innermost being : mentally, spiritually
2 a : beneath the surface : internally
  • bled inwardly
b : to oneself : privately
  • cursed inwardly

See inwardly defined for English-language learners

See inwardly defined for kids

Examples of inwardly in a Sentence

  1. She was outwardly calm but inwardly nervous.

Recent Examples of inwardly from the Web

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'inwardly.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of inwardly

before 12th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year
NEW! Time Traveler

INWARDLY Defined for English Language Learners

inwardly

adverb

Definition of inwardly for English Language Learners

  • : in a way that is not openly shown or stated : on the inside

INWARDLY Defined for Kids

inwardly

adverb in·ward·ly \ ˈin-wərd-lē \

Definition of inwardly for Students

1 : in a way that is not openly shown or stated : privately
  • suffering inwardly
  • She cursed inwardly.
2 : on the inside
  • bleeding inwardly

Learn More about inwardly

  1. Spanish Central: Translation of inwardly Nglish: Translation of inwardly for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of inwardly for Arabic speakers

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up inwardly? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show hide

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

WORD OF THE DAY

skirl

play

to emit the high shrill tone of bagpipes

Get Word of the Day daily email!

TRENDING NOW

  1. asylum 'protection from arrest and extradition given especially to political refugees'

  2. insubordinate 'disobedient to authority'

  3. promulgate 'to make known by open declaration'

  4. epochal 'momentous or unparalleled'

  5. clemency 'merciful treatment of someone who could be given harsh punishment'

SEE ALL

BROWSE DICTIONARY

inwardly

Test Your Vocabulary

Words for Summer: A Quiz

  • a-closeup-of-a-sunflower
  • Which of the following words means “of or relating to summer”?
True or False

Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ
Bee Cubed

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games