external
[adjective]
Synonyms:
- outer, exterior, outermost, outside, outward, surface
- outside, alien, extrinsic, foreign

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Antonyms: internal
Contrasted words: ingrained, inherent, intrinsic
Related Words: out, outermost, outmost, peripheral

[TahlilGaran] English Synonym Dictionary ▲

ex‧ter‧nal W2 AC /ɪkˈstɜːnl $ -ɜːr-/ adjective
[Word Family: adverb: externally ≠ internally; adjective: external ≠ internal]
[Word Family: adverb: internally ≠ externally; adjective: internal ≠ external]
[Date: 1500-1600; Language: Latin; Origin: externus, from exter 'on the outside', from ex 'out']

1. OUTSIDE PART relating to the outside of something or of a person’s body Antonym : internal:
the external appearance of the building
For external use only (=written on medicines which must be put on your skin and not swallowed)

REGISTER
In everyday English, people usually say outside rather than external:
The outside walls of the building were painted yellow.

2. EFFECT relating to your environment or situation, rather than to your own qualities, ideas etc Synonym : outside:
Low birth weight may be caused by external factors, such as smoking during pregnancy.
influences from the external environment

3. ORGANIZATION coming from or happening outside a particular place or organization Antonym : internal:
information from external sources

4. FOREIGN relating to foreign countries Antonym : internal:
China will not tolerate any external interference in its affairs.
external affairs/relations
the Minister of External Affairs

5. INDEPENDENT British English coming from outside a particular school, university, or organization, and therefore independent Antonym : internal
external examination/examiner
external auditors (=someone from outside who looks at an organization’s finances)
—externally adverb:
The job should be advertised internally and externally.

[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Contemporary English ▲