German word

innerlich

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈɪnɐlɪç/

Meaning

  • adverbdeep down

Example

Ich bin innerlich nicht zufrieden.

Deep down, I'm not satisfied.

Illustration for innerlich (deep down)

More examples

Er innerlich schmunzelte über den Kommentar.

He chuckled inwardly at the comment.

Core concept

A calm face hides a private feeling that runs differently beneath the surface.

Common phrases

  • innerlich schmunzeln

    chuckle inwardly

  • innerlich resigniert sein

    be inwardly resigned

  • innerlich unsicher sein

    be inwardly unsure

Similar words

äußerlich: Apparent to external observers or through outward signs.
innen: Present in the inner physical space of a building, object, or body.
außen: Present beyond the inner boundary or toward the exterior.

Definition in German

innerlich beschreibt einen Zustand oder ein Gefühl, das jemand im Inneren hat und nicht nach außen zeigt.

Word origin

The German adjective innerlich combines inner- with the suffix -lich, forming a word for what belongs to the inner life.

Usage tips

  • As an adverb, innerlich does not change; the attributive adjective takes endings, as in ein innerlicher Konflikt.

Opposites

Related words

  • Innerlichkeitinnernessnoun

Word lists with this word