What does "external" mean?
The exterior; outward features or appearances.; Inessential or superficial features.
External
/ɪkˈstɜː.nəl/ adj, noun
adj, noun ·Common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: The exterior; outward features or appearances.; Inessential or superficial features.
- Grammar: external is listed as adj, noun.
- Nearest alternatives: outside, alien, alien beings, aliens.
- Useful contrasts: internal, autogenic, biological explanation.
- Usage evidence: External pressure grows ever more intense.
How to use "external"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "external" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "external" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "external" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "external" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "external" is acting as adj, noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "outside" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "external", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 The exterior; outward features or appearances.; Inessential or superficial features. plural-normally
"To a non-Christian who has never experienced but only observed the externals of Christianity, it appears to be merely another spiritual system, but to a person who has left one of the other religions and embraced the Christian faith, it is most definitely The Way, and all else pales to insignificance."
- 2 outward features wordnet
- 3 The exterior; outward features or appearances.; Outward appearance. plural-normally
"They had been such declared, such personal enemies, that, even in a court, it seemed wonderful how a decent external could be given to their reconciliation."
- 4 A variable that is defined in the source code but whose value comes from some external source.
Adjective
- 1 Outside of something; on the exterior.
"This building has some external pipework."
- 2 Outside of something; on the exterior.; Situated near or toward the surface of the body.
- 3 Outside of something; on the exterior.; Relating to or denoting a medicine or similar substance for use on the outside of the body. relational
- 4 Capable of being perceived outwardly.; Having merely the outward appearance of something.
- 5 Capable of being perceived outwardly.; Not intrinsic or essential.
"The external circumstances are greatly different."
Show 6 more definitions
- 6 Provided by something or someone outside of the entity (object, group, company etc.) considered.
"external authority, external force"
- 7 Relating to or connected with foreign nations or institutions.
"external trade or commerce; the external relations of a state or kingdom"
- 8 Having existence independent of the mind.
"external reality"
- 9 For or concerning students registered with and taking the examinations of a university but not resident there.
"external degrees"
- 10 Not contained in the main computer.
- 11 Using a disk or tape drive rather than the main memory.
Adjective
- 1 happening or arising or located outside or beyond some limits or especially surface wordnet
- 2 purely outward or superficial wordnet
- 3 from or between other countries wordnet
- 4 coming from the outside wordnet
Synonyms
All synonymsExample
"External pressure grows ever more intense."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "external"?
Common synonyms include: outside, alien, alien beings, aliens, ambient, ambient hum.
How do you use "external" in a sentence?
External pressure grows ever more intense.
How do you pronounce "external"?
Pronounced /ɪkˈstɜː.nəl/.
Etymology
From Late Middle English, from Medieval Latin externus (“outward, external”), from exter/exterus (“on the outside, outward”).