external

On or connected with the outside of something.

• The external walls need paint.
• The doctor checked for external injuries.
• A staircase runs along the building’s external wall.

Similar words: outer, outside, exterior

Opposites: internal

Common phrases: external walls, external surface, external damage

Coming from people, organizations, or things outside the group or system involved.

• We need external funding.
• The company hired an external adviser.
• External pressures forced the team to change its plans.

Similar words: outside, independent

Opposites: internal

Common phrases: external funding, external pressure, external support

Connected with other countries or their organizations.

• External trade increased this year.
• The minister is responsible for external affairs.
• The government hopes to improve its external relations.

Similar words: foreign, international

Opposites: domestic

Common phrases: external affairs, external trade, external relations