Externalization: meaning, definitions and examples

🔄

Add to dictionary

externalization

[ɪkˌstɜːrnəlaɪˈzeɪʃən ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

business

The act of transferring a business function or activity from internal to external, especially by outsourcing.

Synonyms

contracting out, delegation, outsourcing.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
externalization	Duplicate of the first entry, often used in business and psychological contexts to describe sending something outside of an organization or projecting internal feelings outward. The focus of the organization has shifted towards the externalization of its non-essential services. Externalization in therapy helps people understand their own behaviors by attributing them to external sources.
outsourcing	Outsourcing specifically refers to the practice of obtaining goods or services from an external or foreign supplier, often to cut costs. It's widely used in business and has some negative connotations related to job loss. The company decided to outsourcing their customer service to a firm in Asia to reduce expenses. Many criticize outsourcing because it can lead to a loss of local jobs.
contracting out	This term is commonly used in business when specific tasks or services are provided by an external supplier under a contract. Instead of hiring new employees, the hospital is contracting out its cleaning services. The IT department decided to contract out the software development project to a specialized firm.
delegation	Delegation typically refers to transferring responsibility or authority to someone else, usually internally within an organization. It is commonly used in management and leadership contexts. Effective leaders understand the importance of delegation to build a stronger team. The manager delegated the project to her most trusted team member.

Examples of usage

Externalization of customer service operations can help companies reduce costs.
Many companies choose externalization to focus on their core competencies.
The trend of externalization is becoming more popular in the business world.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

psychology

The process of giving tangible form to one's thoughts, feelings, or emotions.

Synonyms

concretization, materialization, objectification.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
externalization	Describing the process of expressing or representing something external or outside oneself, often used in psychology or sociology. The therapist noted the patient's externalization of his fears onto others
materialization	Refers to the actual coming into existence of something or something becoming physically present, often implying a transformation from concept to reality. The materialization of his dreams seemed impossible a year ago, but now he owns a successful restaurant
objectification	Typically used in a negative light to describe treating a person as an object or dehumanizing them. She spoke out against the objectification of women in advertising
concretization	Used when something abstract is made more concrete or real. Often applied in discussions about ideas, concepts, or plans becoming tangible. The architect's job is to bring the client's vision to concretization through detailed blueprints

Examples of usage

Art therapy often involves externalization of internal conflicts.
Externalization can help individuals better understand their own emotions.
Children may benefit from externalization of their fears through storytelling.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

Externalization can help individuals process emotions by putting thoughts into words or art, making feelings easier to manage.
This technique is often used in therapy, encouraging clients to express their inner thoughts, which can lead to greater self-awareness.
In cognitive psychology, externalization aids in problem-solving as it allows individuals to visualize complex problems.

Education

Teachers often encourage students to externalize their ideas through group discussions, making learning collaborative and interactive.
Using tools like charts or mind maps can help students externalize their thinking processes, leading to improved understanding.
Externalization techniques in education can cater to different learning styles, allowing all students to engage effectively.

Cultural Studies

Different cultures have various ways of externalizing thoughts, such as storytelling or performing arts, reflecting their unique values and beliefs.
Artistic expressions in culture, like theater or dance, serve as forms of externalization, demonstrating how societies share their histories and experiences.
In some cultures, rituals or festivals provide avenues for people to externalize communal feelings and identity.

Business

In the corporate world, externalization can refer to outsourcing tasks to focus on core business, thereby optimizing efficiency.
Companies encourage externalization of ideas through brainstorming sessions, which can inspire innovation and foster collaboration.
In marketing, brands aim to externalize their values and messages to connect more deeply with their audience.

Technology

Externalization in software development refers to moving internal processes outward, for example by using APIs to allow third-party integrations.
In user experience design, externalization can help developers understand user needs by encouraging feedback and interaction.
Augmented reality is a practical application of externalization, enhancing how users perceive and interact with the world around them.

Translations

Translations of the word "externalization" in other languages:

🇵🇹 externalização

🇮🇳 बाह्यकरण

🇩🇪 Externalisierung

🇮🇩 eksternalisasi

🇺🇦 екстерналізація

🇵🇱 eksternalizacja

🇯🇵 外在化 (がいざいか)

🇫🇷 externalisation

🇪🇸 externalización

🇹🇷 dışsallaştırma

🇰🇷 외재화 (oejaehwa)

🇸🇦 تجسيد خارجي

🇨🇿 externalizace

🇸🇰 externalizácia

🇨🇳 外在化 (wàizàihuà)

🇸🇮 eksternalizacija

🇮🇸 útvæðing

🇰🇿 экстернализация

🇬🇪 გარეიზაცია

🇦🇿 eksternallaşma

🇲🇽 externalización

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,895 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.

...
32892 orientate
32893 gloated
32894 mallow
32895 externalization
32896 jocund
32897 fizzled
32898 jowls
...