Internal
/ɪnˈtɜːrnəl/
Definitions
2 meaningsLocated or existing inside; inward.
/ɪnˈtɜːrnəl/
Existing or situated within the inside of something.
The doctor checked for internal bleeding.
💡 Simply: Imagine your body. Your heart, lungs, and stomach are all internal, meaning they're inside you! Internal means it's on the inside, like the stuffing in a pillow or the engine in a car.
👶 For kids: Something that's internal is inside something else, like your tummy is inside your body!
More Examples
The internal organs were examined during the surgery.
The internal structure of the building was reinforced.
How It's Used
"The patient suffered internal injuries after the accident."
"The company conducted an internal audit to assess its financial health."
Concerning or relating to matters within a country, organization, or a person's own mind.
/ɪnˈtɜːrnəl/
Relating to or concerned with the affairs of a particular country or organization, or a particular person's mind.
The company addressed internal issues regarding employee benefits.
💡 Simply: Internal can also mean something happening within a group or within your own thoughts. For example, a company might have internal rules, or you might have internal struggles about what to do. It's all happening *inside* the group or your head.
👶 For kids: It's also when something is about a group of people or a country, or even your own thoughts!
More Examples
The country is dealing with internal unrest.
He had internal doubts about his decision.
How It's Used
"The government is dealing with internal political conflicts."
"She struggled with internal conflicts about her career."
Idioms & expressions
Internal Affairs
A department or division within an organization (often a police force or government agency) that investigates allegations of misconduct by its members.
"The police officer was investigated by Internal Affairs."
Internal Combustion
The burning of fuel inside an engine to produce power.
"Internal combustion engines are used in cars and many other vehicles."
From Middle French *interne*, from Latin *internus* (“inner, inward”), from *inter* (“between, among”).
Used since the 14th century, initially referring to the inner parts of something, and later extended to affairs of states and organizations.
Memory tip
Think of the inside of something, like your internal organs.
Practice
Word Origin
Root: internus