appearance; how one looks to others
Refers to the impression one gives to others, often contrasted with one's true self or inner feelings.
He cares too much about how he looks to others.
外目には幸せそうに見えるが、実は悩みを抱えている。
She looks happy on the outside, but she actually has worries.
There is a scratch on the outside of the box.
Light comes in through the window facing outside.
Compound of 外 (そと, 'outside') and 目 (め, 'eye' or 'view'), literally 'outside view'. The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the meaning naturally extends to 'appearance to others' and 'exterior side'.