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innermost

B1
Uncommon

Pronunciation

UK

  • /ˈɪnəmˌəʊst/

US

  • /ˈɪnərˌmoʊst/

Meanings

Adjective

  1. farthest inside or nearest the center

  2. most private, deeply felt, or hidden within a person

Beyond the definition

The innermost part of something isn't just inside—it's the very core, the heart of the matter. Think of an onion; you peel away layers to get to its innermost center. It can refer to a physical space like the innermost chamber of a castle, or something more abstract, like your innermost thoughts and feelings—those secrets you keep closest to yourself. A hero's journey often involves confronting their innermost fears before they can succeed. We all have an innermost desire, that thing we truly yearn for, even if we don't always admit it.

Examples

  1. 1

    Clothing

    Keep your keys in the innermost pocket, so they do not fall out.

  2. 2

    Sacred space

    Only a few people were allowed into the innermost room of the temple.

  3. 3

    Private feelings

    Her journal reveals her innermost fears.

    • Phraseinnermost fears

      deepest, most private fears

  4. 4

    Private thoughts

    He rarely shares his innermost thoughts with anyone.

See also

Similar

Shades of meaning

Contrast

Used with (collocations)

  • innermost thoughts
  • innermost feelings
  • innermost self
  • innermost desires

Word family

Explore

  • interiority
  • self-disclosure

Forms and spellings

1 form open this card.

Main spelling

  • innermostadjective