On the outside
adverb
In an outward direction or to an outward surface.
He painted the doors on the outside.
Often appears as...
- painted on the outside
- cleaned on the outside
adverb
In appearance, but not in actual reality.
On the outside he seems calm, but inside he's really worried.
Often appears as...
- seems calm on the outside
- looks happy on the outside
Usage tips
Disapproving
adverb
Not involved in the inner workings of something.
As someone who's on the outside of the organization, I can see its problems clearly.
Often appears as...
- on the outside looking in
- on the outside of the organization
Usage tips
Disapproving
adverb
In an outward direction or to an outward surface.
He painted the doors on the outside.
Often appears as...
- painted on the outside
- cleaned on the outside
adverb
In appearance, but not in actual reality.
On the outside he seems calm, but inside he's really worried.
Often appears as...
- seems calm on the outside
- looks happy on the outside
Usage tips
Disapproving
adverb
Not involved in the inner workings of something.
As someone who's on the outside of the organization, I can see its problems clearly.
Often appears as...
- on the outside looking in
- on the outside of the organization
Usage tips
Disapproving
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/3Physical Surfaces
Used when referring to physical parts of things that face outward or can be seen.
The mailbox was red on the outside.
Pro Tip 2/3Visibility Matters
Emphasizes what is seen by others, possibly hiding what's inside or the reverse side.
The house looked old on the outside but was modern inside.
Pro Tip 3/3Literal Use
Often used in a literal, physical sense, not discussing feelings or intangible qualities.
The fence needs to be fixed on the outside.
Pro Tip 1/3Physical Surfaces
Used when referring to physical parts of things that face outward or can be seen.
The mailbox was red on the outside.
Pro Tip 2/3Visibility Matters
Emphasizes what is seen by others, possibly hiding what's inside or the reverse side.
The house looked old on the outside but was modern inside.
Pro Tip 3/3Literal Use
Often used in a literal, physical sense, not discussing feelings or intangible qualities.
The fence needs to be fixed on the outside.
Pro Tip 1/3Physical Surfaces
Used when referring to physical parts of things that face outward or can be seen.
The mailbox was red on the outside.
Pro Tip 2/3Visibility Matters
Emphasizes what is seen by others, possibly hiding what's inside or the reverse side.
The house looked old on the outside but was modern inside.
Pro Tip 3/3Literal Use
Often used in a literal, physical sense, not discussing feelings or intangible qualities.
The fence needs to be fixed on the outside.
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