outside voice

[ out-sahyd vois ]

/ ˈaʊtˌsaɪd ˌvɔɪs /

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noun

a strong, elevated voice, considered appropriate when speaking outdoors in order to be heard above a crowd or other background sounds or noises (opposed to inside voice): She had to use her outside voice to be heard over the applauding concertgoers.

QUIZ

ALL IN FAVO(U)R OF THIS BRITISH VS. AMERICAN ENGLISH QUIZ

There's an ocean of difference between the way people speak English in the US vs. the UK. Are your language skills up to the task of telling the difference? Let's find out!

Question 1 of 7

True or false? British English and American English are only different when it comes to slang words.

true

false

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Also called out·door voice

[out-dawr vois] /ˈaʊtˌdɔr ˌvɔɪs/ .

Origin of outside voice

First recorded in 2005–10

Words nearby outside voice

outside half, outside loop, outside of, outsider, outsider art, outside voice, outside work, outsight, outsing, out sister, outsit

How to use outside voice in a sentence

The result was reform of how literature winners are chosen, bringing in more outside voices onto the committee such as 33-year-old literature critic Mikaela Blomqvist.
A Nobel Pursuit Gone Wrong?|Tracy Moran|October 11, 2020|Ozy
These generally come from the outside, from cultural pressures and messages.
How Skinny Is Too Skinny? Israel Bans ‘Underweight’ Models|Carrie Arnold|January 8, 2015|DAILY BEAST
Two witnesses outside the Charlie Hebdo office building quoted the Kouachi brothers claiming they were members of al Qaeda.
France Mourns—and Hunts|Nico Hines, Christopher Dickey|January 8, 2015|DAILY BEAST
Sadly, it appears the American press often doesn't need any outside help when it comes to censoring themselves.
Politicians Only Love Journalists When They're Dead|Luke O’Neil|January 8, 2015|DAILY BEAST

The offices were firebombed in 2011; no one was hurt but a permanent police car was subsequently stationed outside.
France Mourns—and Hunts|Nico Hines, Christopher Dickey|January 8, 2015|DAILY BEAST
“Jeffrey wanted me to tell you that you looked so pretty,” the female voice said into my disbelieving ear.
I Tried to Warn You About Sleazy Billionaire Jeffrey Epstein in 2003|Vicky Ward|January 7, 2015|DAILY BEAST
Other things being equal, the volume of voice used measures the value that the mind puts upon the thought.
Expressive Voice Culture|Jessie Eldridge Southwick
She was flushed and felt intoxicated with the sound of her own voice and the unaccustomed taste of candor.
The Awakening and Selected Short Stories|Kate Chopin
I called out several times, as loud as I could raise my voice, but all to no purpose.
Gulliver's Travels|Jonathan Swift
The Princess still kept her eyes fixed on Louis, while, in a suppressed and unsteady voice, she answered her governess.
The Pastor's Fire-side Vol. 3 of 4|Jane Porter
For this use of the voice in the special service of will-power, or propelling force, it is necessary first to test its freedom.
Expressive Voice Culture|Jessie Eldridge Southwick