Inner Meaning
/ˈɪnə/Definition, CEFR level B1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
Listen pronunciation
Definition
adjBeing or occurring (farther) inside, situated farther in, located (situated) or happening on the inside of something, situated within or farther within contained within something.
adjClose to the centre, located near or closer to center.
Sentence Examples
His stern tone and loud voice belied his inner sensitivity and caring nature.
Politicians never tell us their inner thoughts.
I had my wallet stolen from my inner pocket.
CEFR Practice Quiz
The treasure was hidden in the ____ part of the ancient temple.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The detective felt a sense of ____ peace once he finally solved the difficult murder case.
Word Origin & History
From Middle English inner, ynner, ynnere, from Old English innera, comparative of inne (“within”), from Proto-Indo-European *h₁en.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"As we age, the major arteries of our bodies frequently become thickened with plaque, a fatty material with an oatmeal-like consistency that builds up along the inner lining of blood vessels."
— 2013 July-August, Stephen P. Lownie, David M. Pelz, “Stents to Prevent Stroke”, in American Scientist:
"I will try to express. My inner feeling and thankfulness. For showing me the meaning of success"
— 1973, John Lennon, Out the Blue:
"Bart spies an opportunity to make a quick buck so he channels his inner carny and posits his sinking house as a natural wonder of the world and its inhabitants as freaks, barking to dazzled spectators, “Behold the horrors of the Slanty Shanty! See the twisted creatures that dwell within! Meet Cue-Ball, the man with no hair!”"
— 2012 May 20, Nathan Rabin, “TV: Review: THE SIMPSONS (CLASSIC): “Marge Gets A Job” (season 4, episode 7; originally aired 11/05/1992)”, in The Onion AV Club, archived from the original on 28 Jul 2012:
"Mother[…]considered that the exclusiveness of Peter's circle was due not to its distinction, but to the fact that it was an inner Babylon of prodigality and whoredom, from which every Kensingtonian held aloof, except on the conventional tip-and-run excursions in pursuit of shopping, tea and theatres."
— 1921, Ben Travers, chapter 2, in A Cuckoo in the Nest, Garden City, N.Y.: Doubleday, Page & Company, published 1925, →OCLC:
Explore More B1 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The treasure was hidden in the ____ part of the ancient temple.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The detective felt a sense of ____ peace once he finally solved the difficult murder case.