Exterior
/ɪkˈstɪəriər/
Definitions
2 meaningsThe outside surface or part of something.
/ɪkˈstɪəriər/
The outer surface or part of something.
The house's exterior was painted a bright blue.
💡 Simply: Imagine your house. The 'exterior' is everything you see from the outside - the walls, the roof, the doors, the yard. It’s what the world sees! If you have to paint it, you are working on the exterior.
👶 For kids: The outside of something, like the walls of your house or the skin of an apple.
More Examples
The car's exterior was damaged in the accident.
The exterior of the spaceship was designed to withstand extreme temperatures.
How It's Used
"The exterior of the building was covered in climbing vines."
"The car's exterior needs a new paint job."
Situated on the outside; external.
/ɪkˈstɪəriər/
Relating to the outside; external.
The exterior walls of the house needed repainting.
💡 Simply: Think about the outside of something, like the walls of a house. 'Exterior' means it’s on the outside. If a problem is caused by something outside of yourself, it's from an exterior source
👶 For kids: Being on the outside of something.
More Examples
The exterior temperature was much colder than the interior.
He hired an exterior consultant to help with the project.
How It's Used
"The exterior design of the building was modern and sleek."
"An exterior consultant can help with market research."
From Latin *exterius* meaning 'outer' or 'outside', comparative of *ex*, meaning 'out'.
The word 'exterior' has been used since the late 14th century, often to describe the outer surface of objects or the outward appearance of a person or thing.
Memory tip
Think of the word 'outer' – the exterior is the outer part!
Practice
Word Origin
Root: exterius