External — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective noun /ek-ˈstər-nᵊl/ ex·ter·nal

Meaning & Definition of External

External (adjective)

  1. capable of being perceived outwardly
  2. having merely the outward appearance of something, superficial
  3. not intrinsic or essential

External (noun)

  1. something that is external
  2. an outer part
  3. an external feature or aspect —usually used in plural

External (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. not being a vital part of or belonging to something

    "the defendant's socioeconomic status must be regarded as entirely external to his guilt or innocence"

    similar: accidental, adventitious, alien, extraneous, extrinsic, foreign, supervenient
    related: exterior, outside, immaterial, inapplicable, insignificant, irrelevant, nonessential, unessential, unnecessary
    opposite: inherent, innate, intrinsic
    near: congenital, deep-seated, inborn, inbred, inside, interior, internal, basic, essential, necessary

  2. situated on the outside or farther out

    "the external chambers of the ancient tomb gave little indication of the magnificence of the innermost chamber"

    similar: exterior, outer, outside, outward
    related: outermost, outlying, outmost, superficial, surface
    opposite: inner, inside, interior, internal, inward
    near: inmost, innermost, mid, middle, midmost

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for External

The most common words with a similar meaning to External:

accidental, adventitious, alien, extraneous, extrinsic, foreign, supervenient, exterior, outer, outside, outward

Antonyms & Opposite Words for External

Words with the opposite meaning of External:

inherent, innate, intrinsic, inner, inside, interior, internal, inward

Related Words for External

immaterial, inapplicable, insignificant, irrelevant, nonessential, unessential, unnecessary, outermost, outlying, outmost, superficial, surface

Near Antonyms of External

congenital, deep-seated, inborn, inbred, basic, essential, necessary, inmost, innermost, mid, middle, midmost

Word Forms of External

Derived words: externally (adverb)

Origin & Etymology of External

Latin externus external, from exter exterior

First known use: 1542

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for External

Words & Phrases Containing External

external combustion engine, external degree, external respiration

Frequently Asked Questions about External

What does "External" mean?

"External" means capable of being perceived outwardly. As an an adjective and a noun, it is defined as: capable of being perceived outwardly. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "External"?

Other words for "External" include accidental, adventitious, alien, extraneous, extrinsic, foreign, supervenient and exterior. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "External" you intend.

What are different ways to say "External"?

There are 23 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "External". Common alternatives include accidental, adventitious, alien, extraneous, extrinsic, foreign, supervenient, exterior, outer and outside.

What is the opposite of "External"?

Antonyms of "External" include inherent, innate, intrinsic, inner, inside, interior, internal and inward. Near antonyms include congenital, deep-seated, inborn and inbred.

How do you use "External" in a sentence?

Examples of "External" in a sentence: "the defendant's socioeconomic status must be regarded as entirely external to his guilt or innocence"; "the external chambers of the ancient tomb gave little indication of the magnificence of the innermost chamber".

Is "External" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"External" can be used as an adjective and a noun, depending on the context.

Is "External" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B2-level word, "External" is typical of Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS band 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, PTE Academic 59–75, TOEIC Listening & Reading 785+. It is on the Academic Word List, so it appears often in IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, and university texts.

How do you pronounce "External"?

"External" is pronounced /ek-ˈstər-nᵊl/ and divided into syllables as ex·ter·nal.