inwardly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "inwardly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe feelings, thoughts, or reactions that are internal or not expressed outwardly. Example: "Although she smiled, inwardly she was feeling anxious about the upcoming presentation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Howe has been giving the Cherries good feelings for years, first as a defender, then after injury as a manager in the same mould, refined, articulate and inwardly tough as teak.

The Guardian - Sport

What I find compelling is the onslaught of inwardly facing self-examination that the British establishment, including this very outlet, has being forced into because of the desire for the restoration of Scotland's independence.

The Guardian

DK Whenever I see my opponent advancing pawns in front of his own king, I inwardly rub my hands with glee.

The Guardian - Sport

"No stage creature has ever been so skillfully and mordantly reduced to elemental essentials by a great artist," Johnson writes.He also considers the wry humour inSamuel Johnson's criticism, which "made us laugh, outwardly and, perhaps more important, inwardly".

The Economist

Only 14% thought that about Mr Bush.Perhaps Mr Obama inwardly cringes at the personality cult that surrounds him.

The Economist

Bulgaria needs a new system, that will send these people to the right place".But here is the bit that left me blushing inwardly, and contemplating how very much Britain has changed in the last few months.

The Economist

Of course, these policies do not only appeal to black and Latino voters (said the pasty little man typing this post and cheering inwardly), but blacks and Latinos bear the brunt of America's cruel criminal-justice practices; they stand to gain the most by their reversal.

The Economist

But he remains inwardly blind to his own pictures; they do not enlighten or alter him, and he remains complicit in the spirit if not in the deed, to the bitter end.

The Economist

I CANNOT be the only one who sighs inwardly at the notion that the president has to act like a national cheerleader, handholder or life-coach.

The Economist

Meanwhile, he crumples inwardly from the shame of wearing civilian clothes as his peers serve the country.

The Economist

(The too-clever-by-half money is on Belgium, whose talented team will be overwhelmed by the occasion).One of the 79,000 fans in the Maracanã will be inwardly cheering for a second outcome: Dilma Rousseff, Brazil's president, will hope to get through the tournament without being jeered.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "inwardly" to convey thoughts or feelings that are experienced internally but not necessarily expressed externally. For instance, "She smiled politely, but inwardly, she disagreed with the decision."

Common error

Avoid using "inwardly" when you mean to describe something understood or known without conscious reasoning. "Intuitively" is more appropriate when referring to instinctive knowledge, while "inwardly" relates to internal thoughts or feelings.

Linguistic Context

The adverb "inwardly" primarily functions to modify verbs, adverbs, or adjectives, indicating that an action, feeling, or thought is experienced or performed internally. It specifies the manner in which something occurs, focusing on the internal or mental aspect, as shown in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Encyclopedias

23%

Science

22%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "inwardly" functions as an adverb that describes internal thoughts, feelings, or actions. It is grammatically correct and commonly used across diverse contexts, as affirmed by Ludwig. It is frequently found in News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Science. To enhance writing, remember that "inwardly" focuses on internal experiences, differing from terms like "intuitively". Consider alternatives like "internally" or "privately" for subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

internally

Focuses on the internal aspect, similar to "inwardly", but can also refer to internal organizational matters.

within oneself

Emphasizes the location of the feeling or thought being inside a person's mind or emotions.

in one's mind

Specifically highlights that the action or thought occurs in the mental space of an individual.

privately

Indicates something is done or felt discreetly, not necessarily inside the mind, but without external display.

secretly

Implies concealment, similar to "inwardly" when referring to thoughts or feelings not expressed.

to oneself

Highlights the personal and non-communicative nature of a thought or action.

in the depths of one's being

More poetic and intense, suggesting a profound internal experience.

in one's heart

Conveys emotional depth and sincerity, implying feelings are genuinely held.

deep down

Suggests a hidden or true feeling that may not be immediately apparent.

in spirit

Refers to an internal attitude or feeling, often implying agreement or support even if not outwardly expressed.

FAQs

How to use "inwardly" in a sentence?

"Inwardly" is used to describe actions, thoughts, or feelings that occur internally, within the mind or emotions, without being outwardly expressed. For example, "He nodded in agreement, but "inwardly" he doubted the plan's success."

What can I say instead of "inwardly"?

You can use alternatives like "internally", "within oneself", or "privately" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "inwardly" or "innerly"?

"Inwardly" is the correct and commonly used adverb to describe something occurring internally. "Innerly" is not a standard English word.

What's the difference between "inwardly" and "outwardly"?

"Inwardly" refers to internal thoughts, feelings, or actions, while "outwardly" refers to external appearances or behaviors. For example, "She was "outwardly" calm, but "inwardly" she was panicking."