Understanding ‘External’: A Space-Inspired SAT Vocabulary Lesson
Explore the meaning, usage, and origins of the word ‘external’ through an astronaut’s perspective. Learn about its antonyms, synonyms, and common usage errors to boost your SAT vocabulary skills.
Imagine you’re an astronaut floating in space, looking back at Earth. Everything you see – the blue oceans, green continents, and swirling white clouds – is external to your spacecraft.
This concept of being on the outside is exactly what we’re exploring today with the SAT vocabulary word external.
Word type: External is primarily used as an adjective, though it can sometimes function as a noun.
Meaning:
External refers to something that is situated or existing on the outside or outer surface of something else.
It can also mean something that is separate from, not intrinsic to, or coming from the outside.
Word history:
The word external comes from the Latin word externus, meaning outward or external. It entered the English language in the fifteenth century and has been a valuable part of our vocabulary ever since.
Antonyms: Some antonyms for external include internal, intrinsic, and inherent. These words all describe things that are on the inside or are an essential part of something.
Synonyms: Synonyms for external include outer, exterior, outside, outward, and extrinsic. These words all convey the idea of being on or coming from the outside.
Examples use in sentences: Let’s look at some examples of how to use external in sentences. The external walls of the castle were built to withstand enemy attacks.
The company hired an external consultant to review their business practices. Scientists are studying the effects of external factors on climate change.
Common errors in use: One common error when using external is confusing it with extraneous. While both words relate to the concept of outside, extraneous means something that is irrelevant or unrelated, whereas external simply means on the outside.
For example, you might say The external temperature affects how we dress, but not The extraneous temperature affects how we dress.
To wrap up, remember that external refers to things on the outside or coming from outside. Whether you’re describing the external features of a building, external influences on a situation, or even external computer hardware, this versatile word will serve you well in your vocabulary arsenal.
Keep in mind its relation to the outside world, and you’ll find plenty of opportunities to use it accurately in your SAT and beyond.
