inwardness

noun

in·​ward·​ness ˈin-wərd-nəs How to pronounce inwardness (audio)
1
: internal quality or substance
2
: close acquaintance : familiarity
3
: fundamental nature : essence
4
: absorption in one's own mental or spiritual life

Examples of inwardness in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web This emphasis on inwardness is obviously a kind of Protestantism—in particular, the kind of dissenting spiritual enthusiasm to which all Protestantism inevitably leads. James Wood, The New Yorker, 4 Sep. 2023 The silent breakfasts give you a chance to start your day on a mindful note and practice the Augustinian Sisters’ longstanding tradition of dining quietly and embracing inwardness at mealtimes. Joni Sweet, Forbes, 17 July 2023 There’s an inwardness to the way these boys express themselves, especially in regard to each another. Manuel Betancourt, The Hollywood Reporter, 27 Nov. 2022 The inwardness of McCorkle’s Omar has an overwhelming gravity. Charles McNultytheater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2022 The insistence on total inwardness, the exploration of the mysterious depths of the self, made possible the psychological richness and formal innovation of Romantic poets from Novalis to Coleridge, Leopardi, and Whitman. Adam Kirsch, The New Republic, 21 Oct. 2022 There is an inwardness in the songs, but also an awareness of others, almost a fear of navel-gazing or self-indulgence. Brandon Taylor, The New Yorker, 17 Oct. 2022 This inwardness is sometimes expressed through spirituality. Vogue, 30 May 2022 Veterans point to the conservatory’s cultural inwardness and intolerance of defectors as well as the leveraging of secrets, but also to Gifford’s frequent invocation of Scientology teachings. Gary Baum, The Hollywood Reporter, 26 May 2022 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'inwardness.' 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

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of inwardness was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near inwardness

Cite this Entry

“Inwardness.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inwardness. Accessed 25 Sep. 2023.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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