on the outside

At the outer part of something, or beyond its inside area.

• The handle is on the outside.
• We stood on the outside of the fence.
• The workers stayed on the outside while the roof was inspected.

How to use it: on the outside of something (The ladder was on the outside of the building.)

Similar words: outside, externally

Opposites: inside

Common phrases: stay on the outside, stand on the outside

On the surface facing away from the inside of something.

• The cup is blue on the outside.
• Ice had formed on the outside of the window.
• The shell felt rough on the outside but smooth inside.

How to use it: on the outside of something (There was a label on the outside of the box.)

Similar words: on the exterior

Opposites: on the inside

Common phrases: paint on the outside, smooth on the outside

In the way someone or something appears, which may differ from how they really are.

• She seemed happy on the outside.
• He was calm on the outside but frightened inside.
• Their marriage looked perfect on the outside.

Similar words: outwardly, on the surface

Opposites: inwardly

Common phrases: calm on the outside, happy on the outside

Living freely rather than being in prison.

• He has friends on the outside.
• Life on the outside felt strange after ten years in prison.
• Her family on the outside sent letters every week.

Similar words: out of prison, at liberty

Opposites: in prison

Common phrases: life on the outside, friends on the outside