ik-STIR-ee-ur
/ɪkˈstɪɹiɚ/
exterior is pronounced ik-STIR-ee-ur (/ɪkˈstɪɹiɚ/). Exterior refers to the outer part or surface of something, as opposed to its interior. In everyday language it describes outward appearance or external features, such as walls, façades, or conditions outside a space. The term is formal enough for technical contexts yet common in general speech, often used with nouns like doors, buildings, or surfaces.
Exterior refers to the outer part or surface of something, as opposed to its interior. In everyday language it describes outward appearance or external features, such as walls, façades, or conditions outside a space. The term is formal enough for technical contexts yet common in general speech, often used with nouns like doors, buildings, or surfaces.
"The exterior of the building was renovated last year."
"We focused on the exterior details, like the trim and brickwork."
"Her coat matched the sleek exterior design of the car."
Pronounce it as /ɪkˈstɪər.i.ər/ in US and UK rhotic and non-rhotic varieties, with primary stress on the second syllable. Break it into ex-TEER-ee-or: /ɪkˈstɪə.ri.ɔːr/ (US) and /ˈɛk.stɪə.ri.ər/ (UK/UK-like). For Australian speakers, you’ll use /ˈɛkˈstɪə.ri.ə/ approaching /ˈɛk.stɪə.ɹɚ/. Focus on the /stɪə/ cluster and the final /ɚ/ or /ə/ depending on accent. Audio references: you can compare with Cambridge or Oxford audio entries.
Mistakes include stressing the wrong syllable (ex-TEER-ee-or vs ex-TEER-ee-or), conflating the /t/ with /d/ in rapid speech, and reducing the r-colored vowel in non-rhotic accents. Correct by ensuring the primary stress sits on the second syllable /ˈstɪə/; articulate /t/ clearly after /k/ (ick-stie-). Keep the final /ər/ or /ə/ depending on accent; don’t drop the ending syllable entirely in careful speech.
In US English you’ll often hear /ɪkˈstɪəriər/ with a rhotic /r/ at the end and a clear /ɪə/. In UK English, non-rhotic variants may reduce the final /r/ to a schwa and emphasize /ˈɛkˈstɪə.ri.ə/. Australian often lands between, with a closer vowel in the first syllable and a non-rhotic final /ə/ or /ɪə/. IPA guides show US /ɪkˈstɪəriər/, UK /ˈeks.tɪ.ɹi.ə/ (approximations vary), AU /ˈɛk.stɪ.ɹi.ə/.
Three phonetic challenges: the /k/ followed by /st/ cluster in quick succession can cause linking issues; the /stɪə/ sequence requires a steady /ɪə/ diphthong that changes slightly with accent; and the final /ər/ or /ə/ can elide in rapid speech. Practice by isolating /ˈstɪə/ and the final cluster, then link into two-context phrases to stabilize rhythm and reduce vowel reduction in connected speech.
A distinctive feature is the mid syllable /stɪə/ that contains a tense, fronted vowel sequence transitioning into a mid-central ending depending on accent. For many speakers, the middle vowel may slide toward a pure /ɪ/ or a schwa, altering the perceived syllable weight. Emphasize the long-ish /ɪə/ and keep the /st/ cluster tight for clarity, especially in careful speech.
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Exterior comes from Middle French exterior, from late Latin exterioris, from Latin exter- ‘outer, outside’ + -ior. The root exter- means ‘outer, outside,’ related to words like exterior and exterioris. The suffix -ior forms adjectives meaning ‘having the nature of’ or ‘pertaining to,’ often indicating a comparative or qualitative sense in Latin. In English, exterior began in the 16th-17th centuries with senses relating to outward aspects or surfaces, distinct from interior. Over time, it broadened to cover both physical outside parts (facade, surface) and abstract external aspects (exterior features of a policy). The word’s pronunciation and stress pattern have remained stable in modern English, with the primary stress on the second syllable: ex-TEER-ee-or. The term interacts with French-derived architectural and descriptive vocabulary, reflecting its formal, technical provenance. First known uses appear in legal and architectural texts dealing with exterior walls, exteriors of buildings, and exterior features as contrasted with interiors. In contemporary use, exterior is common in design, construction, real estate, and visual arts discussions. The evolution of meaning parallels shifts in architecture and design, where exterior qualities became a focal point of evaluation separate from interior experiences.
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "exterior" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "exterior" and show contrast in usage.
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Words that rhyme with "exterior"
-ier sounds
-ter sounds
Practice with these rhyming pairs to improve your pronunciation consistency:
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