Definition

1. Noun (plural only):
   • Outward appearances or superficial features: "externals" refers to the visible, non-essential aspects of something, such as physical appearance, manners, or circumstances, as opposed to its inner nature or substance.
   • External circumstances or conditions: The term can also denote the surrounding environment or external factors that affect a situation but are not part of its core.

Usage Examples

• (Judging only by outward appearance can be deceptive.)
• (The visible, formal aspects were grand, but the deeper significance was absent.)
• (She prioritized tangible, external conditions over emotional well-being.)

Advanced Usage

• "to be concerned with externals": to pay excessive attention to outward appearances or trivial details.

  • He is too concerned with externals, such as his clothing and social status. (He values superficial things too much.)

• "the externals of a culture": the visible, often stereotyped features of a society (e.g., food, dress, architecture).

  • Tourists often only see the externals of a foreign culture. (Visitors notice only the surface-level traits.)

Variants and Related Words

• External (adj): relating to the outside or outer part; situated outside.

  • The external walls of the house need painting. (The outer walls require maintenance.)

• Externality (n): a side effect or consequence of an activity that affects others without being reflected in its cost (often used in economics).

  • Pollution is a negative externality of industrial production. (It is an unintended, external cost.)

• Externalize (v): to express or project outward; to attribute something to external causes.

  • He tends to externalize his anger by blaming others. (He directs his feelings outward.)

Synonyms

• Appearances: the way something looks or seems outwardly.
• Facade: a deceptive outward appearance.
• Surface: the superficial or obvious aspect of something.

Related Idioms

• "Judging by externals": making a decision based solely on outward appearances.

  • Don't judge by externals; the quietest student may be the most brilliant. (Do not rely on surface impressions.)

• "The externals of life": the material or social conditions that surround a person.

  • He cares little for the externals of life, preferring inner peace. (He disregards worldly possessions or status.)