B2adjective3K

Outer

UK /["/ˈaʊtə(r)/"]/US /["/ˈaʊtər/"]/

Definition

on the outside of something

In simple words: farther away from the center or inside

Examples

  • the **outer layers** of the skin
  • While the chassis is made of steel, the outer shell is plastic.
  • The attackers began to enter through the outer walls.
  • The stair winds up between the **inner and outer** walls of the house.
  • I walked along the outer edge of the track.
  • the outer suburbs of the city
  • Outer London/Mongolia
  • to explore the outer *(= most extreme)* limits of human experience

Usage notes

Use 'outer' to describe things that are on the outside or surface. It works well in both formal and casual contexts, but avoid using it when discussing something that only exists internally or is deeply hidden.

Grammar pattern

standalone adjective

Memory hint

Think of 'outer' as the 'outer' layer of an onion.

Collocations

  • outer layer
  • outer space
  • outer limits
  • outer garment
  • outer ring

Synonyms

  • external

Antonyms

  • inner
  • central
  • internal

Common mistakes

  • 'Outer' confused with 'outter' — 'outter' is not a word.
  • 'Outer' used incorrectly for inside descriptions.
  • 'Outer' used instead of 'outside' — they are not interchangeable.