inner

The word “inner” means located on the inside; closer to the center. In plain terms, being further inside something physically, or relating to a person's private feelings and thoughts.

“Inner” is pronounced IH-nuh (/ˈɪnə/ in IPA).

Here is “inner” used in a sentence: “The inner layer of the jacket is lined with fleece.”

Words with a similar meaning to “inner” include interior and internal.

The opposite of “inner” — its antonyms — is outer.

“Inner” is an adjective.

The word “inner” comes from Old English. From Old English innera, the comparative form of inne, "within.".

“Inner” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.

They are direct opposites of position. 'Inner' means on the inside or nearer the centre, like the inner ring or the inner layer. 'Outer' means on the outside or farther from the centre, like the outer wall or outer space. On a target, the inner circle sits at the middle and the outer circle around the edge.

They overlap, but differ in tone. 'Inner' is often concrete and positional, and it works well figuratively, as in inner peace or inner strength. 'Internal' is more technical or formal, common in clinical, mechanical, or organizational contexts, like internal organs or internal affairs. You would say inner voice, not internal voice, and internal memo, not inner memo.

Yes, and it does so often. Beyond physical position, like the inner room or the inner ear, 'inner' points to what is private or emotional: inner peace, inner strength, an inner voice, your inner self. In these phrases the word suggests something deep within a person, hidden from the outside world.