ENGLISH
REFERENCE

outside

adv. · prep. · adj. · n.
US //ˈaʊtˈsaɪd// out·side
  1. 1 outdoors (adv.)
    A1 Beginner

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

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

    Example

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

    Example

    The temperature dropped significantly once we stepped outside, forcing us to return for our coats before continuing the walk.
  2. 2 not in (prep.)
    A1 Beginner

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

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

    Example

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

    Example

    The security guards remained stationed outside the embassy gates throughout the duration of the protest.
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  1. 3 beyond a limit (prep.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

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

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

    Example

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

    Example

    The legal team argued that the events in question occurred outside the jurisdiction of the local courts.
  2. 4 external (adj.)
    A2 Elementary

    relating to the outer part or surface of something.

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

    Example

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

    Example

    The architect specified a durable stone for the outside cladding to ensure the building could withstand harsh coastal weather.
  3. 5 from another group (adj.)
    B1 Intermediate

    coming from a different company or group.

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

    Example

    The company hired an outside consultant to review their finances.

    Example

    To ensure a fair result, the board requested an outside audit of the election proceedings.
  4. 6 slight possibility (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    describing a very small or unlikely chance of something happening.

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

    Example

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

    Example

    Although he is the underdog, analysts suggest he has an outside chance of winning if the voter turnout is high.
  5. 7 the outer surface (n.)
    A2 Elementary

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

    the external part or surface of an object or entity.

    Example

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

    Example

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

From out + side.

Word family

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