adjective

external

On the outside or coming from outside.

The building's external walls need a fresh coat of paint.

Etymology

The Latin ancestor means outward or belonging to the outside. External keeps that spatial contrast and also applies it to influences originating beyond a particular system.

More examples

  • The research team depends on external funding.
  • I save backup copies on an external hard drive.
  • The committee faces external pressure to change its decision.

Forms

external

externally adverb — On or from the outside.

Similar words

outside
A less formal alternative for external locations or sources.
exterior
Describes an outer surface, especially that of a building.