noun
- plural of exteriority; the quality or state of being exterior or on the outside; outward appearance or surface aspects.
- outward forms, ceremonies, or conventions as opposed to inner substance or meaning.
Usage: formal; often used in philosophical or academic contexts
Usage: formal; often used in religious or cultural criticism
Examples
- The philosopher argued that we should not be deceived by mere exteriorities.
- Religious practice should focus on inner faith rather than exteriorities alone.
- The exteriorities of the building—its ornate facade—masked a simple interior.
- Social exteriorities often hide people's true feelings and intentions.
- She dismissed the exteriorities of fashion in favor of authentic self-expression.
- The exteriorities of ceremony can sometimes obscure the genuine meaning of tradition.