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REFERENCE

internal

adj.
US //ˌɪnˈtɝnəɫ// UK //ɪntˈɜːnəl// in·ter·nal
  1. 1 inside the body (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Medicine

    located inside the body of a person or animal.

    situated within the body or an organism; often used in medical or biological contexts.

    Example

    The doctor was worried about internal bleeding after the accident.

    Example

    The surgeon performed a laparoscopy to examine the patient's internal organs for signs of chronic inflammation.

    Usage

    Commonly used with nouns like 'organs', 'bleeding', or 'injuries'.
  2. 2 inside an organization (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Academic

    happening within a company, group, or country rather than outside it.

    relating to the domestic affairs of a country or the inner workings of an organization.

    Example

    The company sent an internal memo to all employees about the new rules.

    Example

    The ministry launched an internal investigation to determine how the confidential documents were leaked to the press.

    Usage

    Frequently modifies 'affairs', 'memo', 'audit', or 'market'.
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  1. 3 inside the mind (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Academic

    existing in your mind and not shown to other people.

    experienced or existing within the mind; not expressed or apparent to observers.

    Example

    She had a long internal struggle before deciding to quit her job.

    Example

    The protagonist's internal monologue reveals a deep-seated insecurity that is never voiced to the other characters.

    Teacher's tip

    This sense is common in literature and psychology to describe thoughts or feelings that remain private.
  2. 4 inner nature (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Academic Formal

    relating to the basic nature or qualities of something.

    relating to the intrinsic nature or constitution of a thing.

    Example

    The report looked at the internal logic of the government's plan.

    Example

    The philosopher argued that the system lacked internal consistency, pointing out several fundamental contradictions in its premises.
    • extrinsic
Origin

From Middle English internall, internalle, borrowing from New Latin internālis (“of or pertaining to the inner part”), from internus (“inward, internal”) + -ālis (“-al”, adjectival suffix). By surface analysis, intern + -al.

Word family

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