Definition Definition

external - Meaning and Examples

Meaning of 'external' (Webster Dictionary)

1 . External [ a.]
- Outward; exterior; relating to the outside, as of a body; being without; acting from without; -- opposed to internal; as, the external form or surface of a body.
- Outside of or separate from ourselves; (Metaph.) separate from the perceiving mind.
- Outwardly perceptible; visible; physical or corporeal, as distinguished from mental or moral.
- Not intrinsic nor essential; accidental; accompanying; superficial.
- Foreign; relating to or connected with foreign nations; as, external trade or commerce; the external relations of a state or kingdom.
- Away from the mesial plane of the body; lateral.
2 . External [ n.]
- Something external or without; outward part; that which makes a show, rather than that which is intrinsic; visible form; -- usually in the plural.

Meaning of 'external' (Princeton's WordNet)

1 . external [ n]
Meaning (1):
- outward features
Example in sentence:
  • he enjoyed the solemn externals of religion
2 . external [ a]
Meaning (2):
- happening or arising or located outside or beyond some limits or especially surface
Example in sentence:
  • external pressures;
  • the external auditory canal
3 . external [ s]
Meaning (3):
- purely outward or superficial
Example in sentence:
  • an external concern for reputation;
  • external composure
Meaning (4):
- from or between other countries
Example in sentence:
  • developing nations need outside help;
  • external commerce;
  • international trade
Meaning (5):
- coming from the outside
Example in sentence:
  • disdaining outside pressure groups;
  • extraneous light in the camera spoiled the photograph;
  • relying upon an extraneous income