English Reference
adverb · preposition · adjective · noun

outside

adv. · prep. · adj. · n.
US /ˈaʊtˈsaɪd/ out·side UK spelling outsided, outsides

  1. 01 A1 Beginner

    adv.in or to the open air, not inside a building.

    adv.situated in or moving toward the open air; external to a building or enclosed structure.

    Simple

    It was a beautiful day, so the children went outside to play in the garden.

    In context

    The temperature dropped significantly once we stepped outside, forcing us to return for our coats before continuing the walk.

  2. 02 A1 Beginner

    prep.on the outer side of something, like a house or a box.

    prep.positioned on the exterior of a specific container, building, or boundary.

    Simple

    There is a small wooden bench just outside the front door.

    In context

    The security guards remained stationed outside the embassy gates throughout the duration of the protest.

  3. 03 B2 Upper Intermediate

    prep.not included in a particular group, subject, or set of rules.

    prep.beyond the scope, limits, or boundaries of a non-physical concept or organization.

    Simple

    This problem is outside my area of expertise, so I cannot help you.

    In context

    The legal team argued that the events in question occurred outside the jurisdiction of the local courts.

  4. 04 A2 Elementary

    adj.relating to the outer part or surface of something.

    adj.pertaining to the external surface or the part that faces away from the center.

    Simple

    The outside walls of the house need a new coat of paint.

    In context

    The architect specified a durable stone for the outside cladding to ensure the building could withstand harsh coastal weather.

  5. 05 B1 Intermediate

    adj.coming from a different company or group.

    adj.originating from or belonging to a separate organization or social circle.

    Simple

    The company hired an outside consultant to review their finances.

    In context

    To ensure a fair result, the board requested an outside audit of the election proceedings.

    internalin house
  6. 06 B2 Upper Intermediate

    adj.describing a very small or unlikely chance of something happening.

    adj.denoting a remote or unlikely possibility; usually collocated with 'chance'.

    Simple

    There is an outside chance that the flight will be cancelled due to the storm.

    In context

    Although he is the underdog, analysts suggest he has an outside chance of winning if the voter turnout is high.

  7. 07 A2 Elementary

    n.the part of something that faces out; the surface you can see from the street.

    n.the external part or surface of an object or entity.

    Simple

    The outside of the fruit is rough, but the inside is very soft.

    In context

    From the outside, the warehouse looked abandoned, but the interior had been converted into a modern high-tech laboratory.

Usage outside the home · outside world · outside a school


From out + side.

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

This entry
Level A2 · Elementary
Frequency Very common
Updated