interior
UK: ɪnˈtɪə.ri.ər | US: ɪnˈtɪr.i.ɚ
n. the inner part or inside of something
adj. situated within or inside; relating to the inside
adj. existing or occurring within a country or region (e.g., interior ministry)
Derived from Latin interior ("inner, further in"), the word evolved through Old French interior before entering Middle English. The root inter- (seen in words like "internal" and "intermediate") consistently conveys inwardness or intermediacy. The suffix -ior logically extends this to a comparative sense—"more inside" than something else.
The interior of the house was beautifully decorated.
She specializes in interior design for small apartments.
The expedition explored the interior regions of the Amazon rainforest.
The car’s leather interior felt luxurious.
The minister discussed policies for the country’s interior development.