Outside Meaning

UK /ˈaʊt.saɪd/
US /ˈaʊt.saɪd/
Word Definition
outside meaning

Outside Definition & Usage

adjective

Located or positioned externally or away from a specified point or boundary.

Examples

  • "I left my keys outside the door to avoid losing them inside."
  • "The outside of the building was covered in vines."
  • "She decided to sit outside to enjoy the fresh air."
  • "They had to park the car outside the restaurant as there were no spots available inside."
  • "I walked outside to take a phone call in peace."
noun

The outer or external part of something, especially in contrast to the inside.

Examples

  • "She looked at the outside of the box before opening it."
  • "The outside of the car was dirty after the rain."
  • "We’ll meet at the outside of the cinema entrance."
  • "The outside of the building is painted a bright blue."
  • "He enjoys the outside more than being indoors."
adverb

To or at a location beyond a boundary or exterior.

Examples

  • "He ran outside as soon as the bell rang."
  • "The children played outside all afternoon."
  • "The dog was barking outside the window."
  • "I stepped outside to get some fresh air."
  • "She was sitting outside, waiting for her friend."
preposition

On or to the exterior of a place or space.

Examples

  • "Put the package outside the door."
  • "He stood outside the gate, waiting for his turn."
  • "They set up the chairs outside the house for the party."
  • "We left the window open so the cat could go outside."
  • "She’s waiting outside the store."

Cultural Context

The term 'outside' has become a central part of discussions about lifestyle and space, particularly with regard to indoor vs. outdoor living. It is often associated with freedom, nature, and physical activity. In modern contexts, it can imply the difference between public and private spaces, as well as natural vs. built environments.

The Outside Connection

Story

The Outside Connection

On a warm Saturday morning, Emma sat at her desk, staring out of the window at the lush garden. Her fingers tapped the surface of her laptop, but her mind was elsewhere. The world outside seemed to be calling her. With a sigh, she grabbed her jacket and stepped outside. The sun bathed everything in golden light as the breeze played with her hair. She walked down the garden path, taking in the scent of the blooming flowers. Her friend Alex had always said the outside world had a way of clearing the mind, and she had begun to believe it. As Emma strolled to the park, she noticed the outside of the café was bustling with people enjoying their drinks in the fresh air. There was a table by the window, with a perfect view of the bustling street. Emma joined Alex at the table, and they exchanged their usual greetings. They talked about their lives, their dreams, and the freedom they found in being outside. "It’s incredible how much space you get when you step outside, isn't it?" Alex said, leaning back in her chair. "The world feels so much bigger, yet simpler, when you’re outside. "I know, right?" Emma replied. "I’ve been spending so much time inside lately, working all day. It’s nice to just be out here, away from the four walls." Later, as they walked along the street, they noticed a group of children playing outside the playground. Their laughter echoed in the distance, filling the air with joy. Emma couldn’t help but smile. On their way back, they passed a man standing outside his small bookstore. He was arranging books on a display table, surrounded by the hum of traffic and the sound of pedestrians passing by. It struck Emma how the outside world could be both calming and full of life. It was the perfect place to recharge. As the sun began to set, Emma and Alex said their goodbyes. Emma felt lighter, as though she had absorbed the essence of the outside world, both the quiet moments and the bustling energy that came with it. She was ready to head home but knew that, tomorrow, she would seek the outside once more.

The Outside Connection