Word
externally
Phoneticsex·ter·nal·ly, stress on the second syllable
US/ɪkˈstɝnəɫi/
UK/ɛkstˈɜːnəli/
Adverb of place
Definition
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.
Examples
“The medicine should only be applied externally.”
“The company decided to hire an expert externally to get a fresh perspective on their marketing strategy.”
“While the building appears modern and well-maintained externally, the interior structural supports require significant renovation to meet current safety standards.”
Examples
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.
Real-World Examples
“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.” Etymology
From external + -ly.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/externally