Outwardly

Part of speech: adverb

Pronunciation: /ˈaʊtwədli/

Definitions

1. In a manner that shows how something looks from the outside rather than its true nature
2. Describing actions or appearances that seem evident externally but may differ inside
3. In a way that indicates the external aspect or outward appearance without revealing inner details

Etymology: "Outwardly" is about as transparent as English words get. It is simply "outward" with the adverbial suffix "-ly" attached, and the adverb was in use in Middle English in forms such as "outwardli" and "utwardliche". Its literal sense, "toward the outside" or "on the exterior," is still visible in the word's structure. The interesting part is the step from physical direction to appearance. "Outward" first described movement or position toward the exterior, and "outwardly" carried that spatial sense into the idea of what can be seen from the outside. That is how the word came to describe a surface that may not match what lies within, so that someone can seem calm outwardly while being anxious inside.

Synonyms: externally, superficially, visibly, apparently

Antonyms: inwardly, internally, deeply