Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Relating to, located on, or coming from the outside: "External" describes something that exists, occurs, or originates from the outside of a specific boundary, limit, or entity.
   • Superficial or outward: "External" can refer to aspects that are only on the surface or are not fundamental to the nature of something.
   • Foreign or international: "External" pertains to other countries or what comes from outside one's own nation.

2. Noun:

   • An outward feature or aspect: "External" (often used in the plural form "externals") refers to the outward, visible, or superficial characteristics of something.

Examples of Usage

• Adjective:

  • The building's external walls are made of stone. (The walls on the outside of the building are stone.)
  • She maintained an external calm despite her internal anxiety. (Her outward appearance was calm.)
  • The company is facing external pressures from new regulations. (The pressures are coming from outside the company.)
  • The country's external trade policies are under review. (Policies concerning trade with other nations are being reviewed.)

• Noun:

  • Do not judge by externals; true beauty lies within. (Do not judge based on outward appearances.)
  • The solemn externals of the ceremony were impressive. (The outward, visible aspects of the ceremony were impressive.)

Advanced Usage

• "External to": Outside of or not belonging to a particular system or group.
  • Factors external to the market caused the price drop. (Factors outside the market were the cause.)
• In medicine: Refers to application on the outside of the body.
  • This ointment is for external use only. (This ointment must only be applied to the skin, not swallowed.)

Variants and Related Words

• Externally (adverb): In an external manner; from or on the outside.
  • The wound should be treated externally.
• Externalize (verb): To give external existence or form to; to attribute (an internal feeling) to an external cause.
  • Children often externalize their fears through drawings.

Synonyms

• Outer: Situated on or relating to the outside.
• Exterior: Forming, situated on, or relating to the outside.
• Outward: Directed towards or relating to the outside.
• Foreign: Of, from, in, or characteristic of a country or language other than one's own (for the international sense).
• Superficial: Existing or occurring at or on the surface.

Antonyms

• Internal: Of or situated on the inside.
• Inner: Situated inside or further in.
• Intrinsic: Belonging naturally; essential.

Related Phrases

• External affairs: Matters concerning international relations.
• External audit: An audit conducted by an independent party from outside the organization.
• External hard drive: A portable data storage device located outside a computer's main casing.

Adjective

1. purely outward or superficial
   • external composure
   • an external concern for reputation- A.R.Gurney,Jr.
2. from or between other countries
   • external commerce
   • international trade
   • developing nations need outside help
3. coming from the outside
   • extraneous light in the camera spoiled the photograph
   • relying upon an extraneous income
   • disdaining outside pressure groups
4. happening or arising or located outside or beyond some limits or especially surface
   • the external auditory canal
   • external pressures

Noun

1. outward features
   • he enjoyed the solemn externals of religion