preposition / adverb / noun / adjective

outside

Beyond or forming the outer part of something.

She waits outside the library before it opens each morning.

Etymology

The compound contrasts an outward side with an inward one. It names the part facing away from the interior or a position beyond an enclosure.

More examples

  • The kids are playing outside.
  • The outside of the box feels damp.
  • I keep my keys in the backpack’s outside pocket.

Forms

outside · outsides

Similar words

exterior
Refers specifically to an outer surface or outer appearance.
external
Describes something on the outside, often contrasting with internal.
outdoors
Means in the open air, rather than inside a building.