Outset

ˈaʊtˌsɛt

nounmediumCommonGeneral

Definitions

1

The beginning; the start.

ˈaʊtˌsɛt

nounneutralmedium
General

The beginning or start of something.

The company faced financial difficulties from the outset.

💡 Simply: Imagine you're planning a road trip. The outset is when you pack your bags and start driving. It's the very beginning of your adventure!

👶 For kids: The outset is the very beginning of something, like the start of a game!

More Examples

2

From the outset, their plan was doomed to fail.

3

The author described the characters' personalities from the outset of the novel.

4

At the outset of the negotiations, both sides were very optimistic.

How It's Used

General

"From the outset of the project, we knew there would be challenges."

Business

"The contract was clear from the outset, outlining all responsibilities."

Idioms & expressions

from the outset

From the very beginning.

"From the outset of the project, we knew it would be challenging."

From Old English *ūtsett* (a setting out, beginning), from *ūt* (out) + *sett* (a setting).

Used since the 16th century, the word has remained relatively consistent in its meaning.

Memory tip

Think of 'out' as the start 'set' up.

Usage

30%Spoken
70%Written