What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
outwardly
Example
Outwardly, he appeared calm and collected, but inside he was a nervous wreck. [outwardly: adverb]
Example
The house looked outwardly normal, but there was something strange about it. [outwardly: adjective]
superficially
Example
She only superficially understood the complex scientific concepts presented in the lecture. [superficially: adverb]
Example
The article provided only a superficial analysis of the political situation in the country. [superficial: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Superficially is more commonly used than outwardly in everyday language. Superficially is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while outwardly is less common and refers specifically to external appearance or behavior.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between outwardly and superficially?
Both outwardly and superficially can be used in formal and informal contexts, but outwardly may be slightly more formal due to its less common usage.
