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 Self-care regimes focus on cultivation of a mindful, inwardly focused life. 
Jeffrey A. Hall, WSJ, 11 Aug. 2022 There follows a high-strung romance between the courtly Renato and the outwardly hesitant, inwardly hopeful Jane, one that is complicated when it is revealed that Renato is a married man (though a discontent one). Peter Tonguette, WSJ, 13 July 2022 But the mall remains inwardly focused on its shopping boulevards and central courtyard, where visitors lounge on benches and lush grass beside Caruso’s signature dancing fountains. Los Angeles Times, 4 June 2022 Much of the despair among teenagers and young adults has been inwardly directed, with soaring rates of self-harm and suicide. New York Times, 2 June 2022 To be clear, there is nothing wrong with being inwardly focused. Jeb Dasteel, Forbes, 25 Mar. 2022 Marco learns to see inwardly: the art of contemplation. Sam Sacks, WSJ, 21 Jan. 2022 The second group of HR advocates would focus inwardly on well-being in the workplace. Modar Bakir, Forbes, 15 Nov. 2021 Rutemiller outwardly, and as much as realistic inwardly, is at the Michael Phelps-level of determination and positivity. Jeff Metcalfe, The Arizona Republic, 27 Nov. 2021 See More
Jeffrey A. Hall, WSJ, 11 Aug. 2022 There follows a high-strung romance between the courtly Renato and the outwardly hesitant, inwardly hopeful Jane, one that is complicated when it is revealed that Renato is a married man (though a discontent one). Peter Tonguette, WSJ, 13 July 2022 But the mall remains inwardly focused on its shopping boulevards and central courtyard, where visitors lounge on benches and lush grass beside Caruso’s signature dancing fountains. Los Angeles Times, 4 June 2022 Much of the despair among teenagers and young adults has been inwardly directed, with soaring rates of self-harm and suicide. New York Times, 2 June 2022 To be clear, there is nothing wrong with being inwardly focused. Jeb Dasteel, Forbes, 25 Mar. 2022 Marco learns to see inwardly: the art of contemplation. Sam Sacks, WSJ, 21 Jan. 2022 The second group of HR advocates would focus inwardly on well-being in the workplace. Modar Bakir, Forbes, 15 Nov. 2021 Rutemiller outwardly, and as much as realistic inwardly, is at the Michael Phelps-level of determination and positivity. Jeff Metcalfe, The Arizona Republic, 27 Nov. 2021 See More 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 a way that is not openly shown or stated : privately
suffering inwardly
She cursed inwardly.
2
: on the inside
bleeding inwardly
inwardly
adverb
as in secretly
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- secretly
- à deux
- intimately
- privately
- tête-à-tête
- sotto voce
- offstage
- furtively
- offscreen
- covertly
- confidentially
- conspiratorially
- clandestinely
- secretively
- backstage
- collusively
- underhandedly
- stealthily
- surreptitiously
- underground
- in camera
- sneakily
- undercover
- underhand
- underhanded
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- publicly
- openly