Inwardly Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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inwardly

[ˈɪnwərdli ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adverb}

emotions

In a way that is not expressed outwardly, but is felt internally.

Synonyms

emotionally, internally, mentally.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
inwardly	Use when describing someone's internal thoughts or feelings that are not visible to others. She smiled outwardly, but inwardly she was anxious
internally	Appropriate when referring to things happening within someone’s mind or body, often in a physiological or psychological sense. He kept his doubts internally, not letting them show during the meeting
mentally	Suitable for describing cognitive processes, thoughts, or the state of one's mind. She felt mentally exhausted after the long exam
emotionally	Used when referring to feelings or emotions, often in situations involving strong emotions. He reacted emotionally to the sad news and started crying

Examples of usage

She smiled outwardly, but inwardly she was feeling sad.
He appeared calm on the outside, but inwardly he was nervous.

^{Context #2 | Adverb}

thoughts

In a manner that is directed or focused internally, in one's mind or thoughts.

Examples of usage

She was lost in thought, inwardly contemplating her next move.
Inwardly, he knew he was making the right decision.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

Inwardly processing emotions can lead to greater self-awareness and understanding of one's feelings.
Mindfulness techniques encourage individuals to explore their thoughts inwardly to foster mental clarity.
Inwardly reflecting can help identify patterns in behavior and emotional responses.

Literature

Inwardly expressed feelings are a common theme in poetry, where emotions remain unspoken on the surface.
Literary characters often undergo inwardly conflicted journeys, illustrating their internal struggles and growth.
Famous authors like Virginia Woolf used stream-of-consciousness techniques to explore characters' inward thoughts.

Cultural Insights

Many Eastern philosophies emphasize inward reflection as a path to enlightenment and inner peace.
Inward experiences are often connected to concepts of spirituality and connecting with the self across cultures.
Self-help movements encourage practices focused on inner growth and self-discovery.

Art

Visual artists may capture inward emotions through abstract expressions, showing what is felt rather than seen.
Art pieces that explore inward themes often involve muted colors to represent subdued feelings.
Inward contemplation can inspire creativity, leading artists to express their inner world through their work.

Origin of 'inwardly'

Main points about word origin

The word stems from the Old English 'inweard', which means 'toward the inside'.
Inwardly combines 'inward' with the adverbial suffix '-ly', indicating the manner of action.
The use of inwardly to express inner thoughts became common in the 19th century.

The word 'inwardly' originated from the Middle English word 'inwardli', which is a combination of the Old English words 'inweard' (inward) and 'li' (suffix forming adverbs). It has been used in the English language since the 14th century.