What is outside? Pronunciation and usage in English

outside means . Learn how to pronounce and use outside through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of outside

outsidenoun

/ˌaʊtˈsʌɪd/
Definition & pronunciation of outside

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "outside" in English. It's a tricky one for many learners! Here's a breakdown:

1. Syllables:

The word "outside" is actually made up of two syllables:

  • out - (pronounced like "out" as in "out of here")
  • side - (pronounced like "side" as in "side of the road")

2. Sounds:

  • "out": This is a relatively straightforward "out" sound. It's a short, quick vowel.
  • "side": This is where it gets tricky! It's not pronounced like "sid" like in "side dish." Instead, it's pronounced with a "th" sound (like in "this" or "that"). So, it's pronounced something like "thahyd" (but much faster).

3. Putting it together:

The whole word is pronounced: "out-thahyd"

It flows together fairly quickly, so don’t over-separate the syllables.

Resources to help you hear it:

  • Google: Simply search "how to pronounce outside" on Google and it will play an audio clip.
  • YouTube: There are tons of videos demonstrating pronunciation. Search for "pronounce outside" on YouTube. Rachel's English has a great video: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=4gV-6i9W3aU

Tips for learning it:

  • Slow it down: Start by saying each syllable individually.
  • Listen and repeat: Pay close attention to the "th" sound in "side." It's subtle, but important.
  • Record yourself: Record yourself saying it and compare it to a native speaker.

Would you like me to:

  • Break down any part of the pronunciation in more detail?
  • Give you some additional examples of similar words with tricky pronunciations?

Usage and examples with the word outside in English

Let's break down how to use the word "outside" in English! It's a surprisingly versatile word with several different meanings and uses. Here's a categorized breakdown with examples:

1. Location - Away from Buildings/Shelter:

  • Most Common Use: This is the primary meaning – referring to the space beyond a building or enclosed area.
    • "Let's go outside and play!" (meaning away from the house)
    • "The park is outside the city limits." (meaning beyond the urban area)
    • "Look at the birds outside the window."

2. Time - Outside a Specific Period:

  • Before a Specified Time: "We’ll go to the beach outside 5 pm." (meaning before 5 pm)
  • After a Specified Time: "The concert starts outside midnight." (meaning after midnight)

3. State or Condition (Often with "be"):

  • Outside (of) a Range/Limit: This is key to understanding its use with "be."

    • "He is outside the age range for the program." (meaning his age is not within the allowed range)
    • "The temperature is outside the acceptable limits." (meaning it’s too hot or too cold)
    • "She was outside the deadline." (meaning she didn’t meet the deadline)
    • "The project is outside my expertise." (meaning it’s beyond my knowledge or skill)

  • Generally Out/Not Included:

    • "Are you outside the group?" (meaning are you not part of the group?)
    • "That information is outside the scope of the report." (meaning it’s not covered in the report)

4. Adjective - Describing Something on the Outside:

  • Referring to the Surface or Exterior: You use "outside" as an adjective to describe something that is on the outside.
    • "The outside of the box was damaged."
    • "He wore an outside jacket."
    • "I need to polish the outside of the car."

5. Phrases with "Outside":

  • Outside of: Used to indicate something that is separate or not included.

    • "There’s a meeting outside of the conference room.”
    • "He’s outside of the company’s policy.”

  • Outside chance: A small possibility. "There's an outside chance we'll get rain."

  • Outside to: (Less common, but worth knowing) - Often used in British English, especially in phrases about travel. "He’s outside to London tomorrow." (meaning he’s traveling to London).

Here's a table summarizing the common uses:

Use Meaning Example
Location Away from buildings "Let's go outside and play."
Time Before/After a time "The party starts outside 8 pm."
State/Condition Outside a range/limit or exclusion "He's outside the age requirement."
Adjective Relating to the exterior "The outside of the house is painted.”
Phrases Separate, not included "Outside of the deadline."

Tips for Using "Outside" Correctly:

  • "Be" + Outside: The most common use with "be" is to describe a state or condition – something that is not included or is beyond a certain limit.
  • Context is Key: Pay attention to the context of the sentence to understand which meaning is intended.
  • Don't Overuse: While versatile, using "outside" too frequently can sometimes sound a bit repetitive. Vary your vocabulary when possible.

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • What kind of context are you interested in? (e.g., everyday conversations, writing, specific topics like travel or business?)

Synonyms for the word outside

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