English Reference
Adverb

externally

adv. place
B2 Upper Intermediate US /ɪkˈstɝnəɫi/ UK /ɛkstˈɜːnəli/ ex·ter·nal·ly

adv.on the outside of something. You use this when talking about the outer surface of an object or when something happens outside of a group or company.

adv.relating to the outside or outer part of something; occurring outside a particular organization or system.


SIMPLE

The medicine should only be applied externally.

CONTEXTUAL

The company decided to hire an expert externally to get a fresh perspective on their marketing strategy.

COMPLEX

While the building appears modern and well-maintained externally, the interior structural supports require significant renovation to meet current safety standards.

Usage

Often used to contrast with 'internally'; typically follows the verb or the noun it modifies.

I've used data from radio telescopes to suggest whether different parts of Orion KL are heated internally, as by a young, still-forming star, or externally, as by shock waves emanating from more evolved stars.

Phys.org· 16 Aug 2026

From external + -ly.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated