Internal Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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internal

[ษชnหˆtษœหnษ™l ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

medicine

Located, existing, or occurring within an organism. Innermost; interior.

Synonyms

inner, inside, interior.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
internal

Use 'internal' to describe something that is within a system, organization, or body. It is often used in professional, medical, or technical contexts.

  • The internal workings of the machine are quite complex.
  • Internal bleeding needs to be treated immediately.
inner

Use 'inner' to describe something that is more personal, private, or deep within oneโ€™s thoughts or feelings. It often pertains to emotions or spiritual aspects.

  • She found peace in her inner thoughts.
  • The secret lies in the inner chamber of the temple.
inside

Use 'inside' to describe something that is within the confines of a physical space or object. It is commonly used in everyday language to specify location.

  • It's warm inside the house.
  • He looked inside the box to find the missing piece.
interior

Use 'interior' to refer to the inside part of something, often related to the design or structure of buildings, vehicles, or other spaces.

  • The car's interior was luxurious.
  • The interior of the house was decorated in a modern style.

Examples of usage

  • The patient had internal bleeding after the accident.
  • The internal organs of the human body include the heart, lungs, and liver.
Context #2 | Noun

business

An employee of a company who works directly for the organization rather than being hired through an outside agency.

Synonyms

employee, staff, worker.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
internal

Used to refer to processes, communications, or events happening within a particular organization or company. Often applied to describe things that are not meant for external parties.

  • The internal memo was circulated among all departments
  • The company conducted an internal audit last quarter
employee

Used to refer to a person who works for a company or organization, typically in a paid position. This term is formal and neutral, suitable for professional settings.

  • The company hired 50 new employees this year
  • Sarah is a valued employee who always meets her deadlines
staff

Used to collectively refer to all the people employed by an organization. Commonly used to speak about the workforce as a unit or group rather than individuals.

  • The hospital staff are working around the clock
  • The entire staff attended the training session
worker

Used to refer to someone who performs a specific type of labor, often manual work; can sometimes have a less formal or lower-status connotation compared to 'employee.'

  • Construction workers start their day very early
  • Factory workers often have to work in shifts

Examples of usage

  • The company decided to hire more internal staff to handle the increased workload.
  • She was promoted from an external contractor to an internal employee.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • In psychological terms, internal thoughts refer to one's personal motivations and feelings, contrasting with external influences.
  • Internal dialogue plays a significant role in self-regulation and self-awareness, impacting decisions and behaviors.

Biology

  • Internal organs are essential for survival, including the heart, lungs, and liver, each playing a vital role in bodily functions.
  • Homeostasis refers to how internal processes maintain stability, like how body temperature is regulated.

Business

  • Internal communication within an organization is crucial for collaboration and efficiency among team members.
  • Corporate culture is often shaped by internal factors like employee engagement and values, influencing overall performance.

Literature

  • The concept of internal conflict is commonly explored in literature, highlighting characters' struggles with their feelings and decisions.
  • Narrative techniques that reveal a character's internal thoughts can create deeper emotional connections with readers.

Origin of 'internal'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'internal' comes from the Latin 'internus', meaning 'inner' or 'within'.
  • It has been used in the English language since the 15th century to describe inner parts or aspects of something.

The word 'internal' comes from the Latin word 'internus', meaning 'on the inside'. It has been used in English since the 15th century, originally referring to inner qualities or characteristics. Over time, its usage expanded to encompass a wide range of contexts, from medicine to business.


See also: internalization, internalize, internally.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #1,173, this word is part of core intermediate vocabulary. It appears regularly in various contexts and is essential for natural-sounding English.