What does outwardly mean?
Outwardly is an adverb meaning in a way that is visible, apparent, or connected with external appearance rather than inner reality. It is commonly used with nouns such as appearance, behavior, calm, and cheerfulness: a person may be outwardly confident while inwardly anxious. This contrast makes outwardly useful when discussing the difference between public presentation and private experience. In a second, less frequent sense, outwardly means toward the outside or away from the center, as in a ship moving outward from the harbor. The word derives from outward, meaning directed away from the center or toward the exterior, with the adverbial suffix -ly. It is standard in both British and American English and is especially frequent in formal writing and descriptive journalism.
In a way that is apparent or visible; according to outward appearance rather than inward feelings, thoughts, or intention.
"He remained outwardly unfazed throughout the interview."
Often used to suggest a contrast between external behavior or appearance and private feelings.
Toward the outside; away from the center.
"The explorers traveled outward until they reached the edge of the ice shelf."
This sense is less common than the comparison between outward appearance and inward reality.
Outwardly describes what can be seen from the surface, so it often sets public appearance against private reality.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does outwardly come from?
Outwardly derives from outward, an adjective and adverb meaning directed away from the center or concerning the outside. Outward itself comes from Old English ūtweard, formed from ūt, meaning out, and -weard, meaning in the direction of. The adverbial form outwardly developed with the suffix -ly and has been in use since the Middle English period. It shares its etymological root with related forms such as outwardness and outwards.
Related word forms
How outwardly is actually used
When describing appearance or conduct, outwardly often implies a contrast between what is visible and what someone may be feeling or thinking. In the sense of movement toward the outside, it is less common and can be formal.