internal
gb/ɪntˈɚnəl/ us/ɪntˈɚnəl/
B1
English
~ 1500
Senses
0 senses
adjective
B1
property
1
Located inside something
Inside something, not outside.
Usage pattern:
[internal] [part/structure/process]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'internal' with 'inner'. 'Internal' is more formal and often used for systems, processes, or official contexts.
Synonyms
inner (More general and less formal; often used in everyday speech.)
|
inside (Less formal; can function as a preposition or noun as well.)
Antonyms
external (Refers to something on the outside or coming from outside.)
Collocations
internal organs
|internal structure
|internal process
|internal system
|internal affairs
Themes
anatomy
|business
|technology
|space
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The doctor examined her internal organs for signs of disease.
- The company is facing some internal problems.
- The software has an internal security system to prevent hacking.
- Internal walls help divide the space into separate rooms.
- He was promoted after an internal review of staff performance.
Learner examples
- The heart is an internal organ.
- We have an internal meeting today.
- The phone has an internal battery.
- Internal walls are painted white.
- They fixed the problem with the internal system.
adjective
B2
property
2
Relating to domestic affairs
About matters inside a country or group, not about other countries or groups.
Usage pattern:
[internal] [policy/affairs/matters]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'internal' with 'international'. 'Internal' means inside a country or group; 'international' means between countries.
Synonyms
domestic (Commonly used for national matters; less often used for organizations.)
Antonyms
foreign (Relating to other countries; the opposite of domestic.)
Collocations
internal affairs
|internal policy
|internal investigation
|internal conflict
Themes
politics
|business
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The minister is responsible for internal affairs.
- The company is conducting an internal investigation into the complaint.
- The government announced changes to its internal policy.
- Internal conflicts have weakened the organization.
- They decided to deal with the matter through internal channels.
Learner examples
- The police handle internal affairs.
- We had an internal meeting about the project.
- The country has many internal problems.
- There is an internal investigation at the bank.
adjective
B2
property
3
Existing within the mind or feelings
Happening in your mind or feelings.
Usage pattern:
[internal] [struggle/conflict/feeling/process]
Synonyms
inner (More common in everyday speech for feelings or thoughts.)
Antonyms
externalized (Made visible or expressed outwardly.)
Collocations
internal struggle
|internal conflict
|internal process
Themes
emotions
|psychology
|health
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- She faced an internal struggle over whether to stay or leave.
- His calm appearance hid an intense internal conflict.
- Meditation can help with internal peace.
- The decision involved a lot of internal debate.
Learner examples
- I have an internal conflict about my job.
- She hides her internal feelings.
- He works on his internal peace.
- My internal thoughts keep me awake.
Grammar
Dictionary form
internal
IPA
GB/ɪntˈɚnəl/
US/ɪntˈɚnəl/
Syllables & stress
in - tern - al (3 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (tern)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: internal
Word family
Core family
internally
adverb B2
Related words
internalize
verb
internalization
noun
Negative and opposite forms
external
adjective B1
externally
adverb
Expressions
internal affairs
1/ɪntˈɚnəl əfˈɛɹz/
fixed phrase
Domestic matters of a country or group
Matters that happen inside a country or organization, not involving outsiders.
Examples
- The department handles all internal affairs of the organization.
- They insisted that foreign governments should not interfere in their internal affairs.
internal conflict
1/ɪntˈɚnəl kˈɑnflɪkt/
fixed phrase
Struggle within a person or group
A fight inside a person’s mind or inside a group between different sides.
Examples
- She experienced an internal conflict about whether to take the job.
- The political party is weakened by internal conflict.
internal investigation
1/ɪntˈɚnəl ɪnvˌɛstəɡˈeɪʃən/
fixed phrase
Inquiry inside an organization
An official check done by people inside an organization, not by outsiders.
Examples
- The company launched an internal investigation into the allegations.
- An internal investigation revealed several breaches of policy.