outside

I. noun Date: 1502 1. a. a place or region beyond an enclosure or boundary: as (1) the world beyond the confines of an institution (as a prison) (2) often capitalized, in Alaska the world beyond the territory or state of Alaska; especially the 48 contiguous states b. the area farthest from a specified point of reference: as (1) the side of home plate farthest from the batter (2) the part of a playing area toward the sidelines (3) the part of a playing area away from the goal 2. an outer side or surface 3. an outer manifestation ; appearance 4. the extreme limit of a guess ; maximum <

the crowd numbered 10,000 at the outside

> II. adjective Date: 1634 1. a. of, relating to, or being on or toward the outer side or surface <

the outside edge

> b. of, relating to, or being on or toward the outer side of a curve or turn c. of, relating to, or being on or near the outside <

an outside pitch

> 2. a. situated or performed outside a particular place b. connected with or giving access to the outside <

outside telephone line

> 3. maximum 4. a. not included or originating in a particular group or organization <

blamed the riot on outside agitators

> b. not belonging to one's regular occupation or duties <

outside interests

> 5. barely possible ; remote <

an outside chance

> 6. made or done from the outside <

borrowed a basketball and practiced his outside shot

> III. adverb Date: 1813 1. on or to the outside 2. outdoors IV. preposition Date: 1826 1. — used as a function word to indicate movement to or position on the outer side of 2. beyond the limits of <

outside the scope of this report

> <

outside the law

> 3. except