Inner (Adjective)

Meaning ¹

Innermost or essential; "the inner logic of Cubism"; "the internal contradictions of the theory"; "the intimate structure of matter".

Classification

All adjective clusters.

Examples

• The inner workings of the human mind are still not fully understood by scientists.
• The inner circle of the company's leadership made the decision to downsize.
• The artist's inner world was reflected in the vibrant colors and bold brushstrokes of her paintings.
• The inner dynamics of the team's relationships were crucial to their success.
• The inner beauty of the music was what drew the audience in and kept them captivated.

Synonyms

• Internal
• Intimate

Meaning ²

Exclusive to a center; especially a center of influence; "inner regions of the organization"; "inner circles of government".

Classification

All adjective clusters.

Examples

• The company's inner workings were heavily influenced by the CEO's personal style.
• She was part of the inner circle of friends that the pop star kept close to her.
• Access to the inner sanctum of the government building was strictly limited.
• The inner regions of the city were notorious for high crime rates.
• The inner circle of advisors was responsible for making key policy decisions.

Meaning ³

Located inward; "Beethoven's manuscript looks like a bloody record of a tremendous inner battle"- Leonard Bernstein; "she thinks she has no soul, no interior life, but the truth is that she has no access to it"- David Denby; "an internal sense of rightousness"- A.R.Gurney,Jr..

Classification

All adjective clusters.

Examples

• The inner workings of the machine were complex and difficult to understand.
• Her inner strength and resilience helped her to overcome the challenges she faced.
• The inner city was plagued by poverty and crime, but also had a vibrant cultural scene.
• The inner turmoil he felt was reflected in the dark and moody paintings he created.
• The inner voice of her conscience told her to do the right thing, even if it was difficult.

Synonyms

• Internal
• Interior

Meaning ⁴

Located or occurring within or closer to a center; "an inner room".

Classification

All adjective clusters.

Examples

• The hotel's inner courtyard was a peaceful oasis in the midst of the bustling city.
• The inner workings of the clock were complex and difficult to understand.
• The inner layer of the onion was sweet and tender, while the outer layers were tough and fibrous.
• The inner circle of the president's advisors was small and exclusive.
• The inner tube of the tire was damaged and needed to be replaced.

Antonyms

• Outer

Meaning ⁵

Inside or closer to the inside of the body; "the inner ear".

Classification

All adjective clusters.

Examples

• The inner workings of the human brain are still not fully understood by scientists.
• The inner ear is responsible for maintaining balance and equilibrium.
• The inner layer of the onion was soft and sweet, while the outer layer was tough and fibrous.
• The inner city neighborhoods were plagued by poverty and crime.
• The inner lining of the stomach produces mucus to protect itself from digestive acids.

Meaning ⁶

Confined to an exclusive group; "privy to inner knowledge"; "inside information"; "privileged information".

Classification

All adjective clusters.

Examples

• The company's inner circle was privy to the financial struggles that the rest of the employees were not aware of.
• Only those with top-secret clearance have access to the inner workings of the government agency.
• As a trusted advisor to the CEO, she was given inner information about the upcoming merger that no one else knew.
• The journalist was able to get inner details about the celebrity's personal life through his connections with her inner circle.
• Members of the exclusive club were privy to inner knowledge that gave them a competitive edge in the business world.

Synonyms

• Inside
• Privileged