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📕 rednote ID(小红书号)：3881567312

Exterior: Definition, Usage & Common Mistakes (2 meaning)

Meaning 1：outer or external part (exterior)

exterior 🔊

/ɪkˈstɪəriər/

adj.

Relating to the outside part of something, like the outer wall or surface.

Exterior of a house being painted, illustrating the outer part of a structure.

outer or external part 🔊

➕

/ˈaʊtər ɔːr ɪkˈstɜːrnəl pɑːrt/

adj.

Used to describe something that is on, of, or for the outside of an object or structure.

📁 Category：Buildings & Places 🔖 Level：Beginner

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'exter' (outer) via 'exterior' (comparative form meaning 'more outer').

💡 Mnemonic

Think EXTERNAL and OUTER. 'Exterior' sounds like both, meaning the outside layer.

📖 Example

They decided to paint the exterior walls of their house a bright blue to make it stand out in the neighborhood. 🔊 They decided to paint the outer walls of their house a bright blue to make it stand out in the neighborhood.

🔗 Collocations

exterior wall – The outer wall of a building

exterior design – The plan or style of the outside appearance of something

exterior lighting – Lights installed on the outside of a building or structure

🔄 Synonyms

outer (adj.) – Situated on or relating to the outside

external (adj.) – Belonging to or forming the outer surface

surface (adj.) – Relating to or occurring on the outermost layer

🚫 Antonyms

interior (adj.) – Situated on or relating to the inside

internal (adj.) – Of or situated on the inside

inside (adj.) – Situated within the confines of something

📖 Cultural Story

Derived from Latin, 'exterior' is the comparative form of 'exter' (outside). It entered English in the early 16th century, distinguishing the outer surface from the interior, a concept crucial in architecture, design, and philosophy.

Meaning 2：outside appearance (exterior)

exterior 🔊

/ɪkˈstɪəriər/

adj.

The outside surface or appearance of a building or object.

outside appearance 🔊

➕

/ˈaʊtˌsaɪd əˈpɪrəns/

adj.

Refers specifically to the outer look, condition, or shell of an object or person.

📁 Category：Objects & Materials 🔖 Level：Beginner

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Example

Despite the car's rough exterior from years of use, its engine runs perfectly smoothly. 🔊 Despite the car's rough outside appearance from years of use, its engine runs perfectly smoothly.

🔗 Collocations

exterior condition – The state or quality of the outside surface

exterior finish – The final protective or decorative coating on an outer surface

exterior damage – Harm or deterioration to the outer layer

🔄 Synonyms

surface (n.) – The outermost layer of something

facade (n.) – The principal front or outer face of a building; often implies a deceptive outward appearance

shell (n.) – A hard protective outer case

🚫 Antonyms

core (n.) – The central or most important part

essence (n.) – The intrinsic nature or indispensable quality of something

substance (n.) – The most important part; the real physical matter