External: meaning, definitions and examples

๐ŸŒ
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external

 

[ ษชkหˆstษœหrnl ]

Adjective / Noun
Oxford 3000
Context #1 | Adjective

outside sources

coming or derived from a source outside the subject affected. not connected with or belonging to something; different or separate.

Synonyms

foreign, independent, outside.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
external

Use to describe something related to foreign affairs or outside the country.

  • The company's external relations are managed by a separate team.
  • They are looking for external markets to expand their business.
outside

Perfect for referring to something physically located on the exterior or not included within a boundary.

  • He waited outside the building.
  • The kids are playing outside.
foreign

Best used when discussing something that belongs to or comes from another country.

  • She has a lot of foreign friends.
  • Foreign foods can be quite interesting.
independent

Use when describing someone or something that is free from outside control or influence.

  • She is an independent woman who runs her own business.
  • They conducted an independent study on climate change.

Examples of usage

  • The company decided to hire an external consultant to provide fresh insights.
  • External factors such as the weather can impact sales.
  • She had to rely on external funding to complete her research project.
Context #2 | Noun

computer hardware

a device (such as a disk drive) that is outside a computer's case.

Synonyms

attachment, device, peripheral.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
external

This word appears to be duplicated in the list. Please see the explanation above.

peripheral

Use when referring to an auxiliary device that connects to and works with a computer or other main device, often to enhance its functionality, usually electronic.

  • A mouse and keyboard are common computer peripherals.
  • The printer is a peripheral that connects via USB.
device

Use when referring to a tool or piece of equipment designed for a specific task, especially electronic or mechanical.

  • He invented a new device for opening bottles.
  • Mobile devices have become essential in daily life.
attachment

Use when referring to something that is added or connected to a main object, often for a specific purpose, and is not always permanently attached.

  • I added a new attachment to my email.
  • The vacuum cleaner comes with several attachments.

Examples of usage

  • The external was not recognized by the computer.
  • I need to back up my files on an external.

Translations

Translations of the word "external" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น externo

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคฌเคพเคนเคฐเฅ€

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช extern

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ eksternal

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะทะพะฒะฝั–ัˆะฝั–ะน

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ zewnฤ™trzny

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ๅค–้ƒจใฎ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท externe

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ externo

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท harici

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์™ธ๋ถ€์˜

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุฎุงุฑุฌูŠ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ externรญ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ externรฝ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅค–้ƒจ็š„

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ zunanji

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ ytri

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ัั‹ั€ั‚า›ั‹

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ’แƒแƒ แƒ”

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ xarici

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ externo

Etymology

The word 'external' originated from the Latin word 'externus', meaning 'outer'. It was first used in English in the 15th century to refer to something outside or separate from a particular thing or person.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #1,471, this word is part of core intermediate vocabulary. It appears regularly in various contexts and is essential for natural-sounding English.