Appearance vs. Exterior: What's the Difference?
Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Janet White || Updated on October 11, 2023
Appearance refers to the visual impression something or someone makes, while exterior denotes the outer surface or part of something.
Key Differences
Appearance encompasses the overall visual impression, aura, or image projected by an object, place, or individual. Exterior, on the other hand, strictly pertains to the outer surface or part of a physical object or structure.
Appearance isn't limited to the physical realm; it can also refer to the semblance or facade presented, potentially disguising the true nature of something. Exterior, however, doesn't share these intangible connotations, remaining firmly rooted in the tangible, outer aspect.
When discussing people, appearance can cover a range of attributes including clothing, demeanor, and overall presentation. Exterior isn’t typically used in this context, as it is more associated with inanimate objects and their outer shells or facades.
In essence, appearance carries a broader and more versatile range of applications, from the way a room looks to the vibe a person gives off. Exterior narrows its scope to the outer covering, surface, or structure of tangible entities.
Comparison Chart
Primary Meaning
The visual impression or demeanor of something or someone.
The outer surface or part of something.
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Application
Can be used for both tangible and intangible aspects.
Typically used for tangible entities.
Contexts
Can refer to people, places, things, or situations.
More commonly refers to buildings or objects.
Intangibility
Can allude to semblance or facade.
Doesn't have intangible connotations.
Scope
Broad, covering overall visual or felt impressions.
Narrow, specifically about the outer part.
Appearance and Exterior Definitions
Appearance
The way that someone or something visually presents.
She was surprised by the sudden appearance of her friend from college.
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Exterior
Relating to or denoting the outer appearance or form.
He was examining the exterior details of the artifact.
Appearance
The presentation of oneself in a particular way.
He always focused on maintaining a professional appearance.
Exterior
Situated on the outside or outer side.
The exterior pocket of the bag was easy to access.
Appearance
The act or fact of appearing or becoming visible.
The unexpected appearance of the comet excited astronomers.
Exterior
Forming the external shell or covering.
The egg's fragile exterior cracked easily.
Appearance
The act or an instance of coming into sight.
Exterior
The outside surface or structure of something.
The exterior of the house needs a new coat of paint.
Appearance
The act or an instance of coming into public view
The author made a rare personal appearance.
Exterior
Intended for outdoor use.
The exterior lights were weatherproof.
Appearance
Outward aspect
An untidy appearance.
Exterior
Outer; external
The exterior door.
Appearance
Something that appears; a phenomenon.
Exterior
Originating or acting from the outside
Exterior influences on the negotiations.
Appearance
A superficial aspect; a semblance
Keeping up an appearance of wealth.
Exterior
Suitable for use outside
An exterior paint.
Appearance
Appearances Outward indications; circumstances
A cheerful person, to all appearances.
Exterior
A part or a surface that is outside
The exterior of the house.
Appearance
The act of appearing or coming into sight; the act of becoming visible to the eye.
His sudden appearance surprised me.
Exterior
An external or outward appearance
A friendly exterior.
Appearance
A thing seen; a phenomenon; an apparition.
There was a strange appearance in the sky.
Exterior
A representation of the outdoors for use on a soundstage or in a theater
The artist painted exteriors for the film.
Appearance
The way something looks; personal presence
Exterior
A scene for a movie or television program that is filmed outdoors
The exteriors for the film were shot in the mountains of New Zealand.
Appearance
Apparent likeness; the way which something or someone appears to others.
Some people say I'm shallow because I care so much about my appearance.
Exterior
Relating to the outside parts or surface of something.
The exterior part of a sphere
Appearance
That which is not substance, essence, hypostasis; the outward reality as opposed to the underlying reality
Catholicism teaches that the Eucharist, while remaining under the physical appearance of bread and wine, becomes really and truly the body and the blood of Christ.
Exterior
Being from outside a country; foreign.
The exterior relations of a state or kingdom
Appearance
The act of appearing in a particular place, or in society, a company, or any proceedings; a coming before the public in a particular character.
A person makes his appearance as an historian, an artist, or an orator.
David Beckham's first appearance with the LA Galaxy at Giants Stadium against the New York Red Bulls last night drew a crowd of 66237.
Exterior
Outdoor.
Appearance
(legal) An instance of someone coming into a court of law to be part of a trial, either in person or represented by an attorney or such like; a court appearance
Exterior
The outside part, parts or surface of something.
The sticker was attached to the exterior of the package
Appearance
(medical) Chiefly used by nurses: the act of defecation by a patient.
The patient had a small bowel obstruction and there was no appearance until after the obstruction resolved.
Exterior
Foreign lands.
She is our new minister of the exterior
Appearance
The act of appearing or coming into sight; the act of becoming visible to the eye; as, his sudden appearance surprised me.
Exterior
External; outward; pertaining to that which is external; - opposed to interior; as, the exterior part of a sphere.
Sith nor the exterior nor the inward manResemble that it was.
Appearance
A thing seed; a phenomenon; a phase; an apparition; as, an appearance in the sky.
Exterior
External; on the outside; without the limits of; extrinsic; as, an object exterior to a man, opposed to what is within, or in his mind.
Without exterior help sustained.
Appearance
Personal presence; exhibition of the person; look; aspect; mien.
And now am come to see . . . It thy appearance answer loud report.
Exterior
Relating to foreign nations; foreign; as, the exterior relations of a state or kingdom.
Appearance
Semblance, or apparent likeness; external show. pl. Outward signs, or circumstances, fitted to make a particular impression or to determine the judgment as to the character of a person or a thing, an act or a state; as, appearances are against him.
There was upon the tabernacle, as it were, the appearance of fire.
For man looketh on the outward appearance.
Judge not according to the appearance.
Exterior
The outward surface or part of a thing; that which is external; outside.
Appearance
The act of appearing in a particular place, or in society, a company, or any proceedings; a coming before the public in a particular character; as, a person makes his appearance as an historian, an artist, or an orator.
Will he now retire,After appearance, and again prolongOur expectation?
Exterior
Outward or external deportment, form, or ceremony; visible act; as, the exteriors of religion.
Appearance
Probability; likelihood.
There is that which hath no appearance.
Exterior
The region that is outside of something
Appearance
The coming into court of either of the parties; the being present in court; the coming into court of a party summoned in an action, either by himself or by his attorney, expressed by a formal entry by the proper officer to that effect; the act or proceeding by which a party proceeded against places himself before the court, and submits to its jurisdiction.
Exterior
The outer side or surface of something
Appearance
Outward or visible aspect of a person or thing
Exterior
Situated in or suitable for the outdoors or outside of a building;
An exterior scene
Exterior grade plywood
Exterior paints
Appearance
The event of coming into sight
Appearance
Formal attendance (in court or at a hearing) of a party in an action
Appearance
A mental representation;
I tried to describe his appearance to the police
Appearance
The act of appearing in public view;
The rookie made a brief appearance in the first period
It was Bernhardt's last appearance in America
Appearance
Pretending that something is the case in order to make a good impression;
They try to keep up appearances
That ceremony is just for show
Appearance
An outward semblance or likeness.
His cheerful appearance hid his inner turmoil.
Appearance
The way something is perceived or regarded.
The overall appearance of the project was positive, even if there were underlying issues.
FAQs
Does appearance always indicate truth?
Not necessarily. Appearance can sometimes be deceptive.
Is exterior paint different from interior paint?
Generally, yes. Exterior paint is formulated to withstand weather conditions.
Can appearance be used for buildings?
Yes, it can refer to the visual impression a building gives off.
Can appearance refer to the inner quality of something?
Yes, appearance can allude to an outward semblance which may not reflect inner reality.
What's another word for exterior when talking about buildings?
Facade is commonly used to describe a building's front exterior.
Is the exterior always about physical objects?
Typically, yes. It refers to the outer surface or structure of tangible entities.
Is exterior used to describe human attributes?
Rarely. It's more commonly associated with objects or structures.
Is the shell of a creature its exterior?
Yes, it's the creature's outer protective covering.
Can a person's mood be part of their appearance?
Yes, demeanor or projected aura can be components of appearance.
Can an object have multiple exteriors?
If considering different layers or sections, yes, but typically it refers to the outermost part.
Does appearance have a temporary connotation?
It can, especially when referring to someone or something's temporary state or situation.
How does one enhance their appearance?
Through grooming, attire, and sometimes makeup or accessories.
Does appearance always relate to sight?
Mostly, but it can also refer to an overall impression or aura.
Can someone's appearance change frequently?
Absolutely, due to factors like clothing, mood, or health.
Does exterior relate to inherent qualities?
No, it focuses on the outer surface or structure of something.
Can a room have an appearance?
Yes, it can have a visual or felt impression based on its decor and vibe.
Is the exterior of an object always solid?
Not necessarily. It just refers to the outermost layer or surface.
Are exteriors always visible?
Generally, yes, as they refer to the outermost part of an object or structure.
What is the primary purpose of exterior design?
To enhance the outer look and sometimes function of a building or object.
Can appearance be intangible?
Yes, it can refer to an overall felt impression or vibe.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
