äußerlicher

äußerlicher is the attributive form of the German adjective äußerlich, meaning external, outer, or outward. It is used to describe things that pertain to the exterior rather than the interior. The word often appears in phrases about appearance, surface, or outward characteristics, and it can carry a nuance of being superficial or incidental when contrasted with inner or essential qualities.

Etymology and forms: äußerlich comes from Außen (outside) plus the suffix -lich, which yields the meaning “like, pertaining to.” As an adjective, its endings vary with gender, number, and case. For example, with an indefinite article: ein äußerlicher Eindruck (masculine nominative); with a feminine noun: eine äußere Erscheinung; with a neuter noun: ein äußeres Erscheinungsbild. In strong or mixed declension, the endings change accordingly, so the form shown as älter or äußerlicher appears in masculine nominative singular in common usage.

Usage and nuance: äußerlicher is used to describe external features or appearances, such as äußere Merkmale (external features) or äußere Erscheinung (external appearance). It is often contrasted with innerlich or inneres to distinguish what is visible on the surface from what lies beneath. In philosophy, aesthetics, or everyday language, the term can imply superficiality when the emphasis is on Erscheinungsbild rather than substance. The related noun form Äußeres (or das Äußere) denotes the exterior or appearance in general.

Nominal use: The noun das Äußere or das Äußerliche refers to what is external, the outward aspect, or surface features, and is common in discussions of character, art, or design.

See also: Äußeres, Äußerlich, innerlich, Erscheinung, Erscheinungsbild.