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Meaning & use

outer

adjective·Everyday

Last updated

UK/ˈaʊtə/
US/ˈaʊtɚ/

Meanings

  1. adjectivebefore a noun

    Located on the outside or farther from the center.

    Grammar: Comes before a noun: the outer wall, not the wall is outer.

    Patterns

    • the outer layer of something
    • the outer edge of something

    Peel off the outer layer of the onion.

    They lived on the outer edge of the city.

    The outer door was locked.

  2. adjectivebefore a nounfigurative

    Visible to others rather than hidden inside, as in appearance or behavior.

    Grammar: Contrasts with inner feelings: an outer calm.

    Patterns

    • outer calm
    • outer appearance

    Her outer calm hid a great deal of worry.

    The outer appearance of the house was misleading.

    He showed an outer confidence he did not feel.

  3. adjectivebefore a noun

    Far from the main or central part of a large area, such as islands or suburbs.

    Grammar: Often used in place names: the Outer Hebrides.

    Patterns

    • outer regions
    • outer suburbs

    They live in the outer suburbs of the city.

    The ferry serves the outer islands.

    Few visitors reach the outer regions of the park.

Common combinations

outer space
The probe traveled through outer space.
the outer layer
The outer layer of the skin protects the body.
the outer edge
Stand on the outer edge of the track.
outer wall
The outer wall was damaged by storms.
outer ear
The outer ear collects sound.
outer appearance
Judging by outer appearance is unwise.

Synonyms and how they differ

external
External is more formal and technical, used for what is outside a system or body, whereas outer is plain and describes position.
exterior
Exterior is used of buildings and surfaces and can also be a noun, while outer is only an adjective.
outermost
Outermost is the superlative, meaning the farthest out, while outer only compares with something else.
outside
Outside as an adjective also works before a noun, but outer feels more fixed in common phrases like outer space.

Opposites

innercentral

Word family

outermost adjective
farthest from the center
outer adjective
on the outside
outwardly adverb
on the outside or in appearance
outside noun
the outer part or surface

Commonly confused: outer or outre?

outer vs outre

Outré is a different, borrowed word meaning unconventional or shocking, though it sounds like outer.

Practice

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