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inwardness - 3 dictionary results

in⋅ward⋅ness

[in-werd-nis]
–noun
1. the state of being inward or internal: the inwardness of the body's organs.
2. depth of thought or feeling; concern with one's own affairs and oneself; introspection.
3. preoccupation with what concerns human inner nature; spirituality.
4. the fundamental or intrinsic character of something; essence.
5. inner meaning or significance.
6. intimacy.

Origin:
1350–1400; ME; see inward, -ness
in·ward·ness   (ĭn'wərd-nĭs)   
n.  
  1. Intimacy; familiarity.
  2. Preoccupation with one's own thoughts or feelings; introspection.
  3. The intrinsic or indispensable properties of something; essence.

Inwardness

In"ward*ness\, n. 1. Internal or true state; essential nature; as, the inwardness of conduct.

Sense can not arrive to the inwardness Of things. --Dr. H. More.

2. Intimacy; familiarity. [Obs.] --Shak.

3. Heartiness; earnestness.

What was wanted was more inwardness, more feeling. --M. Arnold.
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