external appearance

Meanings

1. 1phrasefixed phrase

   the way something or someone looks on the outside, as opposed to inner qualities or hidden facts

   Grammar: Usually used with 'the' or a possessive: 'its external appearance', 'her external appearance'.

   Patterns

   • the external appearance of something
   • judge by external appearance
   • improve the external appearance of something

   The external appearance of the building is modern, but the inside is old.

   People often judge others by external appearance, which can be misleading.

   The company changed the external appearance of its packaging to attract buyers.

2. 2phrasefixed phrase

   the visible physical condition or look of a person, especially when contrasted with their true character or health

   Grammar: Often used in discussions about first impressions or health: 'His external appearance seemed healthy.'

   Patterns

   • someone's external appearance
   • despite someone's external appearance
   • based on external appearance

   Despite his calm external appearance, he was very nervous.

   Her external appearance was neat and professional at the interview.

   Doctors should not rely only on a patient's external appearance.

Common combinations

judge by external appearance

It is unfair to judge people by external appearance.

the external appearance of

The external appearance of the car was damaged in the accident.

improve the external appearance

They painted the walls to improve the external appearance of the house.

despite external appearance

Despite his rough external appearance, he is very kind.

change the external appearance

The new owner changed the external appearance of the shop.

Synonyms and how they differ

outward appearance

Very similar, but often emphasizes how something seems rather than how it truly is.

look

More informal and general; 'look' can refer to style or fashion, while 'external appearance' is more neutral and factual.

exterior

Usually refers to the outside surface of a building or object, not to a person's appearance.

Opposites

Word family

externally adverb

In a way that relates to the outside.

appear verb

To seem or to come into sight.

Commonly confused: external appearance or external appearance vs. physical appearance?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “external appearance”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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