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outside (n.)

c. 1500, "outer side, the exterior part or surface of a thing," from out- + side (n.). Meaning "the part or place that lies without or beyond an enclosure or barrier" is from 1610s. In isolated regions of the globe it tends to mean "the world of civilization and settlement" (1827); in prison (and army) slang, "the world outside prison (or the army)," by 1903.

The adjective is attested from 1630s, "being on the outside; to the outer surface or boundary;" as "situated or operating outside (the house, the system, etc.) by 1841; as "not directly concerned or interested" by 1881. As an adverb from 1813 "on the outside, on or to the exterior;" as a preposition from 1826. Colloquial phrase outside of "with exception of" is from 1859. Outside chance "very unlikely chance" is by 1845, originally in horse racing (see outsider).

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Definitions of outside from WordNet
1
outside (adj.)
from or between other countries;
developing nations need outside help
Synonyms: external / international
outside (adj.)
located, suited for, or taking place in the open air;
Synonyms: outdoor / out-of-door
outside (adj.)
leading to or from the outside;
an outside door
outside (adj.)
relating to or being on or near the outer side or limit;
an outside margin
outside (adj.)
coming from the outside;
disdaining outside pressure groups
Synonyms: external / extraneous
outside (adj.)
originating or belonging beyond some bounds;
the outside world
outside interests
an outside job
outside (adj.)
functioning outside the boundaries or precincts of an organized unit;
outside (adj.)
very unlikely;
an outside chance
Synonyms: remote
outside (adj.)
on or toward an outer edge;
the outside lane
outside (adj.)
(of a baseball pitch) on the far side of home plate from the batter;
an outside pitch
Synonyms: away
2
outside (n.)
the region that is outside of something;
Synonyms: exterior
outside (n.)
the outer side or surface of something;
Synonyms: exterior
3
outside (adv.)
outside a building;
in summer we play outside
Synonyms: outdoors / out of doors / alfresco
outside (adv.)
on the outside;
outside, the box is black
From wordnet.princeton.edu

Dictionary entries near outside

outright

outrun

outscore

outset

outshine

outside

outsider

outsized

outskirt

outsmart

outsource

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