Outside vs. Outwith — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Maham Liaqat — Updated on May 4, 2024
"Outside" refers to a position beyond something's boundary, while "outwith," used primarily in Scottish English, means beyond or outside a scope or area.
Difference Between Outside and Outwith
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Outside" is commonly used in both American and British English to denote being beyond the physical boundaries or limits of something, such as a building or a town. For example, one might say, "I waited outside the house." In contrast, "outwith" is not typically used in American English and is mainly found in Scottish contexts. It carries a similar meaning but can also extend to abstract concepts, suggesting being beyond the scope or range of something, not just physical boundaries.
While "outside" serves as a preposition, adjective, or adverb, indicating location or position relative to a known boundary, "outwith" functions primarily as a preposition in Scottish English. This usage highlights differences in regional language norms, where "outwith" might be used in official and legal documents in Scotland, such as "outwith my responsibilities."
On the other hand, "outwith" is less familiar to speakers outside of Scotland and might be confusing to an international audience. Its usage in specific professional or formal settings in Scotland emphasizes a linguistic variation that is geographically and culturally significant.
"Outside" is versatile in everyday communication across various English-speaking regions, appearing frequently in both spoken and written language. This widespread recognition ensures clarity and universality in communication, which "outwith" lacks outside Scottish English.
In literature and formal writing, "outside" can be used metaphorically to describe concepts like being outside of societal norms or typical behavior patterns. "Outwith," however, is rarely used metaphorically and is typically more straightforward in its application, focusing on literal or legalistic contexts within Scotland.
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Comparison Chart
Usage
Global, versatile
Mainly Scottish
Function
Preposition, adverb, adjective
Preposition
Contexts
Physical and abstract
Primarily physical, sometimes abstract
Familiarity
Common internationally
Less known outside Scotland
Typical Users
All English speakers
Primarily Scottish speakers
Compare with Definitions
Outside
Indicating a position beyond or not within something.
We ate lunch outside the office.
Outwith
Used in legal and official documents.
The activities were carried out outwith the regulations.
Outside
Located on the outside.
She admired the outside view.
Outwith
Beyond the physical or metaphorical boundaries of.
The incident occurred outwith school hours.
Outside
To or on the outside.
The kids played outside until dark.
Outwith
Indicating something outside the scope of.
The problem lies outwith the terms of this discussion.
Outside
The external side or surface of something.
The outside of the building needs painting.
Outwith
Seldom used in non-Scottish contexts.
He worked outwith conventional methods.
Outside
Not belonging to a particular group.
He's an outsider in this community.
Outwith
Relates specifically to boundaries or limits.
The solution is outwith our current capabilities.
Outside
The part or parts that face out; the outer surface.
Outwith
Outside; beyond; outside of.
Outside
The part or side of an object that is presented to the viewer; the external aspect.
Outwith
Outside, outwardly; outwards.
Outside
Outward aspect or appearance
"You'll never persuade me that I can't tell what men are by their outsides" (George Eliot).
Outside
The space beyond a boundary or limit.
Outside
(Sports) A position at a distance from the inside or center, as of a playing field or racetrack.
Outside
The utmost limit; the maximum
We'll be leaving in ten days at the outside.
Outside
Of, relating to, or being on or near the outer side; outer
The outside margin.
Outside
Of, restricted to, or situated on the outer side of an enclosure or a boundary; external
An outside door lock.
An outside antenna.
Outside
Located away from the inside or center
The outside traffic lane.
Outside
Acting, occurring, originating, or being at a place beyond certain limits
Knew little of the outside world.
Outside
Gaining or providing access to the external side
An outside telephone line.
Outside
Not belonging to or originating in a certain group or association
Requested outside assistance.
Deplored outside interference.
Outside
Being beyond the limits of one's usual work or responsibilities
My outside interests are skiing and sailing.
Outside
Extreme, uttermost
The costs have exceeded even our outside estimates.
Outside
Very unlikely; remote
Only an outside possibility of winning the tournament.
Outside
(Baseball) Passing on the side of home plate away from the batter. Used of a pitch.
Outside
On or to the outer or external side.
Outside
Outdoors.
Outside
On or to the outer or external side of
Saw someone outside the window.
Outside
Beyond the limits of
A little place outside the city.
Outside
With the exception of; except
We have no other information outside the figures already given.
Outside
The part of something that faces out; the outer surface.
He's repainting the outside of his house.
Outside
The external appearance of someone or something.
Her outside was stern, but inside was a heart of gold.
Outside
The space beyond some limit or boundary.
Viewed from the outside, the building seemed unremarkable.
Outside
The furthest limit, as to number, quantity, extent, etc.
It may last a week at the outside.
Outside
The part of a road towards the central division: towards the right if one drives on the left, or towards the left if one drives on the right.
On a motorway, you should always overtake other vehicles on the outside.
Outside
The side of a curved road, racetrack etc. that has the longer arc length; the side of a racetrack furthest from the interior of the course or some other point of reference.
On the final bend, the second-place car tried to go around the outside of the leader but spun off into the barrier.
Outside
(surfing) The outer part of the sea, away from the peak of a wave.
Outside
A passenger riding on the outside of a coach or carriage.
Outside
Of or pertaining to the outer surface, limit or boundary.
The outside surface looks good.
Outside
Of, pertaining to or originating from beyond the outer surface, limit or boundary.
Outside
Away from the interior or center of something.
Outside
Originating from, arranged by, or being someone outside an organization, group, etc.
The Board did not trust outside information about their rivals.
Outside
Extending or going beyond the borders or scope of an organization, group, etc.
Outside
Away far from the batter as it crosses home plate.
The first pitch is ... just a bit outside.
Outside
Reaching the extreme or farthest limit, as to extent, quantity, etc; maximum.
An outside estimate
Outside
Positioned towards the central division of a road: towards the right-hand side if one drives on the left, or left-hand side if one drives on the right.
The outside lane of the motorway
Outside
Positioned towards the shoulder of a road: towards the left-hand side if one drives on the left, or right-hand side if one drives on the right.
The outside lane of the highway
Outside
(of a person) Not legally married to or related to (e.g. not born in wedlock to), and/or not residing with, a specified other person (parent, child, or partner); (of a marriage, relationship, etc) existing between two such people. out of wedlock, nonresidential.}}
Outside
To or in the outdoors or outside; to or in an area that is beyond the scope, limits, or borders of a given place.
I am going outside.
Residents of the city rarely ventured outside.
Outside
(colloquial) Not in prison.
Outside
Outdoors.
I slept outside last night.
Outside
On the outside of, not inside (something, such as a building).
Outside
Beyond the scope, limits, or borders of.
Tourists from outside the country
Outside
Near, but not in.
Outside
(usually with “of”) Except, apart from.
Outside of winning the lottery, the only way to succeed is through many years of hard work.
Outside
(transitive) To ostracize or exclude.
Outside
The external part of a thing; the part, end, or side which forms the external surface; that which appears, or is manifest; that which is superficial; the exterior.
There may be great need of an outside where there is little or nothing within.
Created beings see nothing but our outside.
Outside
The part or space which lies beyond the external edge of a structure or beyond the boundary of an inclosure.
I threw open the door of my chamber, and found the family standing on the outside.
Outside
The furthest limit, as to number, quantity, extent, etc.; the utmost; as, it may last a week at the outside.
Outside
The part of the world not encompassed by or under control of an organization or institution; as, prisoners are not allowed to pass objects to persons on the outside; one may not discuss company secretes with anyone on the outside.
Outside
Of or pertaining to the outside; external; exterior; superficial.
Outside
Reaching the extreme or farthest limit, as to extent, quantity, etc.; as, an outside estimate.
Outside
On or to the outside (of); without; on the exterior; as, to ride outside the coach; he stayed outside.
Outside
The region that is outside of something
Outside
The outer side or surface of something
Outside
Relating to or being on or near the outer side or limit;
An outside margin
Outside
Coming from the outside;
Extraneous light in the camera spoiled the photograph
Relying upon an extraneous income
Disdaining outside pressure groups
Outside
Originating or belonging beyond some bounds:
The outside world
Outside interests
An outside job
Outside
Located, suited for, or taking place in the open air;
Outdoor clothes
Badminton and other outdoor games
A beautiful outdoor setting for the wedding
Outside
Functioning outside the boundaries or precincts of an organized unit;
Extramural hospital care and treatment
Extramural studies
Outside
Leading to or from the outside;
An outside door
Outside
From or between other countries;
External commerce
International trade
Developing nations need outside help
Outside
Maximal in amount;
A maximal amount
An outside estimate
Outside
Very unlikely;
An outside chance
A remote possibility
A remote contingency
Outside
On or toward an outer edge;
An outer lane
The outside lane
Outside
(of a baseball pitch) on the far side of home plate from the batter;
The pitch was away (or wide)
An outside pitch
Outside
Outside a building;
In summer we play outside
Outside
On the outside;
Outside, the box is black
Common Curiosities
Why is "outwith" mainly used in Scottish English?
"Outwith" has historical and cultural roots in Scottish English, where it has been preserved and continues to be used in official and legal contexts.
Is "outwith" recognized outside of Scotland?
"Outwith" is primarily recognized and used within Scotland and is less known in other English-speaking areas.
Can "outside" and "outwith" be used interchangeably?
In Scotland, they might be used similarly, but "outwith" has a more formal tone and specific context, making it less interchangeable internationally.
What is the primary usage of "outside"?
"Outside" is used to denote being beyond the physical boundaries of something or metaphorically outside a group or norm.
What makes "outside" a more versatile word than "outwith"?
"Outside" is recognized and used widely across English-speaking regions in various contexts, making it more versatile than the more regionally confined "outwith."
Are there any synonyms for "outwith" in standard English?
Common synonyms for "outwith" in standard English include "outside," "beyond," and "excluding."
What impact does regional dialect have on the understanding of "outwith"?
Regional dialect significantly impacts the understanding of "outwith," as it may be unfamiliar to those outside Scotland, potentially leading to misunderstandings.
Can "outwith" be used in informal speech?
While it's not typical, "outwith" can occasionally appear in informal Scottish speech, especially in regions where Scots language influences are strong.
How do non-Scottish English speakers typically react to "outwith"?
Non-Scottish English speakers might find "outwith" unusual or unclear due to its rare usage outside Scotland.
How does "outwith" function in sentences?
"Outwith" functions primarily as a preposition in sentences, indicating something beyond the scope or limits of another entity.
What are some common contexts where "outwith" is used?
"Outwith" is commonly used in legal, academic, and governmental contexts within Scotland, often relating to jurisdiction or responsibilities.
What are the grammatical roles of "outside"?
"Outside" can function as a preposition, adverb, adjective, or noun, making it highly versatile in English syntax.
How does the use of "outside" differ in American and British English?
The use of "outside" is quite consistent between American and British English, serving the same grammatical and contextual roles.
What are some challenges in translating "outwith" to other languages?
Translating "outwith" can be challenging because it requires context-specific understanding that may not have a direct equivalent in many languages, particularly those without strong regional dialects.
Is "outwith" accepted in global English language tests?
"Outwith" might not be recognized or considered standard in global English tests, which generally favor more internationally recognized prepositions like "outside."
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
