Externalization: meaning, definitions and examples
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externalization
[ ɪkˌstɜːrnəlaɪˈzeɪʃən ]
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 |
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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.
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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.
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contracting out |
This term is commonly used in business when specific tasks or services are provided by an external supplier under a contract.
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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.
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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.
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 |
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externalization |
Describing the process of expressing or representing something external or outside oneself, often used in psychology or sociology.
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materialization |
Refers to the actual coming into existence of something or something becoming physically present, often implying a transformation from concept to reality.
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objectification |
Typically used in a negative light to describe treating a person as an object or dehumanizing them.
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concretization |
Used when something abstract is made more concrete or real. Often applied in discussions about ideas, concepts, or plans becoming tangible.
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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.
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
Etymology
The term 'externalization' originated in the field of psychology in the early 20th century to describe the process of expressing internal thoughts or emotions in a tangible form. It later gained popularity in business contexts to refer to the outsourcing of functions to external parties. The concept of externalization continues to evolve with the increasing globalization of business and the emphasis on efficiency and specialization.
See also: externalize.