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Definition inside in British English

inside adjective, adverb, preposition

adjective, adverb, preposition
/ˈɪnˌsaɪd/

Inside can be used in the following ways:

as a preposition (followed by a noun): What’s inside the envelope? Inside of is sometimes used instead of inside, especially in American English: I had a strange feeling inside of me.

as an adverb (without a following noun): I opened the box and looked inside.

as an adjective (always before a noun): the inside pages of a newspaper

1

used for saying that someone or something is in a room or building, especially when you are outside

1.1

used for saying that someone or something is in a room or building, especially when you are outside

Example

There were lights on inside and I could hear voices.

Example

Richard was now safe inside his castle.

Example

houses without running water or an inside toilet

Synonyms and related words
1.2

enclosed in a container or space

Example

I always keep important papers locked inside my desk.

Example

I opened up my suitcase to show them what was inside.

Synonyms and related words
1.3

on the inner side of something

Example

She was standing just inside the door.

Example

Cassidy had one hand inside his jacket, as if reaching for something.

Example

Adam produced a small notebook from his inside pocket.

Synonyms and related words
1.4

within an area or country

Example

Draw a triangle inside the circle.

Example

An F-117A Stealth aircraft crashed inside Serbia.

Example

Kasapis scored the final goal with a low shot from inside the penalty area.

Synonyms and related words
1.5

in the inner part of something

Example

The photographs were on the inside pages of several Sunday newspapers.

Example

The melon was still green inside.

Synonyms and related words
2

into a building

2.1

into a building

Example

Come inside, out of the rain.

Example

As I walked past the door, I glanced inside.

Example

You're not allowed to go inside the museum without paying.

2.2

into an enclosed container or empty space

Example

She reached inside her handbag and pulled out an envelope.

Example

Loretta opened the fridge and peered inside.

Synonyms and related words
3

within an organization or group

3.1

within an organization or group

Example

There is a battle being fought inside the Conservative Party.

Example

The rumours are coming from inside the company.

3.2

only known by people who belong to a particular organization or group

Example

the inside story of how a trade union destroyed itself

Example

They seemed to have inside knowledge of MI5 operations.

Example

The thieves clearly had inside information that allowed them to know when the building would be unguarded.

Synonyms and related words
4

in someone's mind, but not always shown or expressed

Example

He was silent, but Elizabeth could sense the anger burning inside him.

Example

I knew how stubborn he could be once he'd got an idea inside his head.

5

already drunk or eaten

5.1

already drunk or eaten

Example

With half a bottle of brandy inside me, I was beginning to feel unsteady.

Example

You'll feel better once you get some dinner inside of you.

5.2

used for talking about a feeling that you have in your stomach

Example

I suddenly felt sick inside.

Synonyms and related words
6

done in less than a particular amount of time

Example

All the remaining business could be completed inside half an hour.

Example

He swam the 200 metres just inside the European record.

Example

They can usually give you an answer inside of an hour.

Synonyms and related words
7

spending time in a prison

Example

The poor guy did three years inside for a crime he never committed.

Synonyms and related words
Definition inside in British English