outset

«outset» in Mova's school dictionary: the start or beginning of something — its meaning for a pupil, its sense in the lessons and examples.

part of speech

noun (the outset — singular only)

meaning for a pupil

1) The outset is the start or beginning of something. tree →

2) «At the outset» means at the start; «from the outset» means from the start. tree →

sense in the lessons

A slightly formal word in reading texts and exams: «From the outset it was clear the plan would fail» means from the very beginning. Everyday speech says «at the start» or «from the beginning».

examples

• From the outset, she knew she would win. tree →
• At the outset of the trip we had lots of energy. tree →
• Make the rules clear at the outset. tree →
• There were problems from the outset. tree →
• (formal) At the outset, the tank contained 50 litres. tree →
• He was nervous at the outset but soon relaxed. tree →

note

Used only in «at the outset» and «from the outset»; no plural. Do not confuse with «onset» (the start of something bad, like an illness) or «upset». In maths «at the outset» gives the starting amount.

Trees and pragmatics

Every meaning and example of «outset» parsed by Mova, each sentence with its dependency tree and frames.