inner
IH-nuh
Inner (adj) means Located on the inside; closer to the center. Example: “The inner layer of the jacket is lined with fleece.”
adj
1
Located on the inside; closer to the center.
"The inner layer of the jacket is lined with fleece."
"They live in the inner city."
"Keep the inner tube of the bicycle tyre properly inflated."
2
Relating to private thoughts and feelings rather than what is shown outwardly.
"Meditation helped her find inner peace."
"She never showed her inner doubts to the rest of the team."
"He kept his inner fears hidden behind a cheerful smile."
How to use inner
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishBeing further inside something physically, or relating to a person's private feelings and thoughts.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
inner peace
inner city
inner circle
inner strength
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Word forms
- Plural
- inners
- Comparative
- innermore, inmore
- Superlative
- innermost, inmost
Fill the gap
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The _____ layer of the jacket is lined with fleece.
Etymology
From Old English innera, the comparative form of inne, "within."
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for inner
See all rhymes for inner →Frequently asked questions
What does “inner” mean?
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.
How do you pronounce “inner”?
“Inner” is pronounced IH-nuh (/ˈɪnə/ in IPA).
How do you use “inner” in a sentence?
Here is “inner” used in a sentence: “The inner layer of the jacket is lined with fleece.”
What is another word for “inner”?
Words with a similar meaning to “inner” include interior and internal.
What is the opposite of “inner”?
The opposite of “inner” — its antonyms — is outer.
What part of speech is “inner”?
“Inner” is an adjective.
Where does the word “inner” come from?
The word “inner” comes from Old English. From Old English innera, the comparative form of inne, "within.".
Is “inner” a common word?
“Inner” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
What is the difference between 'inner' and 'outer'?
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.
What is the difference between 'inner' and 'internal'?
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.
Can 'inner' describe feelings as well as places?
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.
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