ENGLISH
REFERENCE

external

n.
B2 Upper Intermediate Oxford US //ɪkˈstɝnəɫ// UK //ɛkstˈɜːnəl// ex·ter·nal Academic General-service

n. coming from or happening on the outside of something. You use this to describe things like the outer walls of a building or people from outside your company.

n. relating to, existing on, or connected with the outside or an outer part. Often used to describe factors, forces, or entities that originate from outside a specific system or organization.


SIMPLE

The external walls of the house need painting.

CONTEXTUAL

The company hired an external consultant to review their security procedures and provide an unbiased report.

COMPLEX

While internal motivation is essential for long-term success, external factors such as economic stability and social support networks play a significant role in determining an individual's trajectory.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Origin

From Late Middle English, from Medieval Latin externus (“outward, external”), from exter/exterus (“on the outside, outward”).

Usage

Typically placed before the noun it modifies. Frequently contrasted with 'internal'.

© 2026 English Reference