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Meaning & use

external

adjective·Academic

Last updated

UK/ɪkˈstɜːnəl/
US/ɪkˈstɜːrnəl/

Meanings

  1. adjectivebefore a noun

    On or relating to the outside of something.

    Grammar: Usually before a noun: external wall.

    The external walls of the house need painting.

    Apply the cream for external use only.

    The building has external stairs on the north side.

  2. adjectivecomparable

    Coming from or involving people or things outside a particular group or organization.

    Grammar: Contrasts with internal: external pressure.

    Patterns

    • external to something

    The company hired an external consultant.

    External factors, such as weather, delayed the project.

    Students take external exams set by an outside board.

  3. adjectivebefore a nouncomputing

    Connected to a computer from outside, as an add-on device.

    Grammar: Before a noun: external drive.

    I backed up my photos on an external hard drive.

    An external microphone improved the sound.

    Plug in the external keyboard before starting.

Common combinations

external factors
External factors affected the team's results.
external examiner
An external examiner marked the thesis.
external affairs
The minister handles external affairs.
external hard drive
Save a copy on an external hard drive.
external appearance
The house's external appearance is charming.

Synonyms and how they differ

outer
Outer describes the outside part of one object, while external is wider and covers outside sources too.
outside
Outside is more casual and often an adverb or noun, while external is a formal adjective.
exterior
Exterior almost always describes surfaces or buildings, whereas external also fits organizations and causes.

Opposites

internalinner

Word family

externally adverb
on the outside or from outside
externalize verb
to express or show outwardly
externals noun
outward appearances
externality noun
a side effect on others not involved in a deal

Commonly confused: external or extrinsic?

external vs extrinsic

Extrinsic means not part of the essential nature of something, while external simply means outside.

Practice

The medicine is for ___ use only, so do not swallow it.

Make it your own

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