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Definition of inwardly

inwardly

/ˈɪnwərdli/
in · ward · ly
Adjective:inward
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inwardly Lexical Profile

inwardly Game Scores & Validity

• adverb

1

Within the mind, heart, or spirit; privately or secretly, without showing external signs.

Example

"She smiled politely at the criticism, though she was inwardly fuming."

2

On the inside; toward the center or interior of something.

Example

"The heavy wooden doors were carved outwardly with geometric patterns and lined inwardly with velvet."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
View all antonyms for inwardly

Word Nuance & Usage

While 'inward' or 'inwards' usually describes physical direction toward an interior space, 'inwardly' almost always refers to mental, emotional, or spiritual states that are kept hidden from others.

• Nearby Words

invulnerability
invulnerable
inward
inwardly
io
iochroma
iodine

Word Origin & Etymology

From Old English 'inweardlice', meaning within or in the mind, formed from 'inweard' (inward) + '-lice' (-ly).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Inwardly. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/inwardly
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