Outwardly
/ˈaʊtwərdli/
adverbB2
Definition
Outwardly describes something that appears or is shown on the outside. It is used when talking about how people or things seem to others, especially when their inner feelings or true nature may be different from what is visible. It often contrasts what is seen with what is hidden inside.
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See It in Action
In a way that is visible or shown to others
- •She was outwardly calm during the interview, but inside she was nervous.
- •The building is outwardly modern, but inside it has old decorations.
- •Outwardly, he looked confident, but he doubted himself.
In a manner that relates to the external appearance or behavior rather than inner feelings
- •Outwardly friendly, he was actually very private.
- •The company outwardly supports the new policy, though some employees disagree.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "outwardly" like "on the outside," but it focuses on how things look or seem to others, not what is inside or real.
- ✓Picture a person smiling at a party (outwardly happy) but feeling sad inside.
- ✓It's the feeling when you see a calm face but know the person is worried deep down.
- ✓Sounds like "out-WERD-lee" → imagine someone pointing OUTWARD with words to show what others see.
- ✓Imagine a mask that shows one expression outwardly but hides true feelings behind it.
- ✓NOT like "inside" or "deep down" (what is hidden); outwardly is what shows on the surface.
- ✓NOT like "honestly" (truth inside); outwardly can sometimes hide the truth.
- ✓NOT like "loudly" or "strongly" (how much); outwardly is about appearance, not intensity.
Try Other Words
- •Externally: from the outside (Use when talking about physical or visible parts, not feelings)
- •Superficially: on the surface, but not deeply (Use when suggesting something is only on the outside and may not be true inside)
- •Apparently: seeming to be true based on what is seen (Use when you want to say something looks true but you are not sure)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: "out-" (meaning outside) + "ward" (direction) + "-ly" (makes an adverb)
- •Etymology: From Old English roots meaning "toward the outside"
- •Historical development: Used since Middle English to describe direction or manner toward the outside or surface
- •Modern usage: Commonly used to describe how people or things appear or act on the surface, especially when this contrasts with inner reality
Reflect & Connect
•How can someone’s outwardly calm appearance be different from how they feel inside?
•Why do people sometimes choose to show themselves outwardly in a way that hides their true feelings?
Fill in the blanks
1.She appeared outwardly ___ during the meeting, but inside she was very worried.
2.Outwardly, the house looked new, but ___ it needed many repairs.
3.He smiled outwardly to seem friendly, even though he felt ___.
4.The team was outwardly confident, but ___ they were unsure about the plan.
5.Outwardly ___, the company supported the change, but many workers disagreed.
6.People often judge others outwardly by their ___ and behavior.
7.Although he was outwardly calm, his hands were shaking ___ the nerves.