internal

Think of your body: everything inside you is internal. But the word is not only about what is physically within something. It can also describe things happening within a company, inside a person's mind, or inside a system. A company might send an internal memo, meaning it is meant only for employees. Your internal monologue is the voice in your head. And if you have internal conflict, you are dealing with opposing feelings inside yourself.

The word "internal" refers to something that exists or happens within the boundaries of a particular thing, whether that thing is a physical object, an organization, a person, or a system. It points to what is contained inside, as opposed to "external," which describes what is on the outside.

You'll often see "internal" when people talk about the body: internal organs are the parts inside us, such as the heart and lungs. But the word is used in many other ways too. Businesses use "internal" for matters related to their own staff or operations. An internal email, meeting, or audit is meant for use inside the company rather than for the public.

"Internal" is also common when talking about thoughts and feelings. Internal motivation comes from within, from personal interest or belief rather than outside rewards. An internal struggle is a conflict happening in your own mind. Someone's internal state can also mean their private emotional condition.

In technical contexts, "internal" often means a part that belongs to the inside workings of a device, program, or system, rather than something the user deals with directly. For example, a program may use internal data or an internal process to keep things running.

So, whether it describes the body, a company, a person's feelings, or a technical system, "internal" always points to what lies within rather than what is visible or coming from outside.