I. ˈau̇d.ə(r), ˈau̇tə- adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from out, adjective + -er (comp. suffix) — more at out
1. : external , objective
outer life
outer reality
outer characteristics
— compare inner 2
2.
a. : situated farther out
outer space
the outer line of defense
b. : away from a center
the satellites of the outer solar planets — J.T.McIntosh
c. : situated or belonging on the outside
the two outer movements of the symphony
the outer covering
Synonyms:
outward , outside , external , exterior : outer may retain comparative suggestion and contrast with inner
outer garments
outer space
the outer line of defenses
outward , contrasted with inward, may be used in relation to trend, direction, or motion
the outward push of tourists in search of strange places is spilling over from the accustomed channels — New York Times
Both words may describe a surface semblance in contrast to an inner reality
colorless and grey are the outer facts of a monk's life — H.O.Taylor
these twins were alike in many ways, mostly, however, in their outer life or manifest behavior — Biological Abstracts
to give outward and objective form to ideas that bubble inwardly and have a fascinating lure in them — H.L.Mencken
all outward actions, every overt thing we do — J.C.Powys
outside describes either a position on the outer side or a location or situation beyond borders, bounds, or limits
these ships are completely air-conditioned and their staterooms are all outside — Mary G. Reynolds
in spite of frequent assertions to the contrary, the monks very seldom taught outside pupils — G.G.Coulton
only a relatively small part of the millions that have come from below the ground have remained in the state and most of the larger present-day properties are owned by outside companies — American Guide Series: Nevada
Like outside , external may describe a position, situation, or sphere beyond or away from a thing under consideration
the slavery which would be imposed upon her by her external enemies and her internal traitors — F.D.Roosevelt
a poet only through the demands of an inner being and compulsion, and not through the external circumstances of good fortune or bad — H.V.Gregory
It may imply adventitious appearance or semblance unrelated to or different from inner reality
her heart was breaking with grief in spite of her external cheerfulness — D.C.Buchanan
exterior may describe that which is situated on the outer bounds of something; it may also, like outer or outward , describe that which shows or is made apparent
the exterior walls are of Lannon stone, an ivory-toned rock of varied shades and fine texture quarried in Wisconsin — American Guide Series: Michigan
the absence of exterior demonstration of affection for my mother had no surprise for me — Dixon Wecter
II. noun
( -s )
: either of the live outside electric wires of a three-wire system as distinguished from the middle or neutral wire