Exterior Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ก
exterior
[ษชkหstษชษriษr ]
Definitions
of a building
the outer appearance or surface of a building, especially the front or facades
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| exterior |
Used to describe the outer surface or part of something, often a building or vehicle. It's a broad term that applies to anything on the outside.
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| outside |
Generally used to refer to the external side of something or the area around a place. It is a less formal term compared to 'exterior'.
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| facade |
Normally refers to the front of a building, especially an imposing or decorative front. It can also mean a deceptive outward appearance.
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| frontage |
Specifically used to describe the front part of a property, especially the part that faces a street or other public space.
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Examples of usage
- The exterior of the building was painted white.
- The exterior of the house had beautiful architectural details.
of a vehicle
the outer surface or body of a vehicle, such as a car or airplane
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| exterior |
Used when talking about the outer surface or appearance of something, such as a building or vehicle. It's more general and can refer to various things. It emphasizes the outside look or structure.
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| bodywork |
Specifically used in the context of vehicles, referring to the outer body panels or structure of the car. Often used when discussing repairs and maintenance.
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| shell |
Refers to a hard outer layer or structure of objects, usually hollow inside. It can also be used metaphorically. It often implies protection or a structural aspect.
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| casing |
Used when referring to the outer cover or protective layer of an object, typically mechanical or electronic devices. Often emphasizes the protective or functional aspect.
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Examples of usage
- The car's exterior was shiny and well-maintained.
- The exterior of the airplane was painted in bright colors.
general use
belonging to or forming the outer surface or structure of something
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| exterior |
Refers to the outside part of something, often used when talking about buildings or surfaces.
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| outer |
Usually refers to the more distant part of something, often used in a comparative sense when something is on the edge or furthest from the center.
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| external |
Describes something that is outside or comes from the outside, often used in a more general sense, including abstract ideas and not just physical objects.
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| outward |
Describes the direction towards the outside or something that is visible on the outside, often involves motion or orientation.
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Examples of usage
- The exterior walls of the house were made of brick.
- She had an exterior demeanor that was calm and composed.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Architecture
- In architecture, the exterior of a building plays a vital role in its aesthetic appeal and character.
- Styles like Gothic and Modernism have distinct exteriors that reflect cultural and historical contexts.
- Exterior materials, such as brick, wood, and glass, contribute to a buildingโs durability and energy efficiency.
Psychology
- In psychology, the concept of 'exterior' can relate to how people present themselves to the outside world, also known as persona.
- The way we decorate or present our homes can impact our mood and wellbeing, reflecting our inner thoughts on the exterior.
- The study of nonverbal communication includes external expressions like body language and facial expressions that convey emotions.
Art
- Artists often explore the contrast between exterior appearances and inner feelings in their works.
- Famous artworks sometimes depict the exterior of subjects to challenge viewers' perceptions about beauty and truth.
- The technique of trompe-l'ลil creates the illusion of three-dimensionality on flat surfaces, playing with exterior visuals.
Nature
- In botany, the exterior of a plant's leaves or flowers can have various adaptations for survival, like cuticle wax to prevent water loss.
- Animal exteriors, such as fur, feathers, or scales, serve protective functions and can indicate health or maturity.
- The study of geology involves examining the exterior layers of Earth to understand its history and evolution over time.
Origin of 'exterior'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'exterior' comes from the Latin 'exterior', meaning 'outer' or 'outside'.
- Related to the word 'external', which has similar roots, both indicating something not inside but on the surface.
- The prefix 'ex-' in Latin means 'out' or 'from', indicating direction to the outside.
The word 'exterior' originated from the Latin word 'exterior' meaning 'outer', which is derived from 'exter', meaning 'outer'. The term has been used in English since the late 16th century to refer to the outer part or surface of something, whether it is a building, vehicle, or even a person's demeanor.