Externally
/ɪkˈstɜːrnəli/
Definitions
In or on the outside; relating to the exterior.
/ɪkˈstɜːrnəli/
In relation to the outside; outwardly.
The building's appearance was externally attractive, but poorly constructed.
💡 Simply: When you do something externally, it means you're doing it on the outside or dealing with things outside yourself or an object. Like if you put medicine on your skin for a cut, you're treating the wound externally, from the outside.
👶 For kids: When something happens on the outside, it happens externally, like putting a bandage on your skin.
More Examples
The paint job protected the car externally from the elements.
The policy changed the organization externally, but internally people remained the same.
How It's Used
"The company is looking for ways to invest externally to increase its profits."
"The wound was treated externally with antiseptic."
"The report analyzes factors that affect productivity both internally and externally."
Idioms & expressions
externally driven
Influenced or controlled by factors outside oneself or an organization.
"An externally driven economy is susceptible to fluctuations in global markets."
From 'external' + '-ly', indicating a manner of being or acting outside. 'External' comes from Latin 'externus', meaning 'outward' or 'on the outside'.
The word 'externally' has been used since the late 17th century, primarily to describe actions or conditions related to the outside of something.
Memory tip
Think of 'external' (outside) plus '-ly' (in a way). Actions are done 'externally' when they relate to the outer world or surface.
Word Origin
"From 'externus' (outward, external) + '-ly' (in a manner)"