English Reference
noun · verb

outset

n. · v.
US /ˈaʊtˌsɛt/ UK /ˈaʊtsɛt/ out·set UK spelling outsets

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    n.the start or beginning of something.

    n.the start or initial stage of an event, process, or period of time.

    Simple

    It was clear from the outset that the project would take a long time.

    In context

    From the outset of the negotiations, both parties demonstrated a willingness to compromise on the primary contractual terms.

    Usage

    Commonly used in the fixed phrases 'at the outset' or 'from the outset'.

    Pitfall
    In the outset, we had many problems. At the outset, we had many problems.

    Use the preposition 'at' or 'from' with outset, never 'in'.

  2. 02 C1 Advanced Technical Computing

    v.to make a part of a design look like it is on the outside or raised up.

    v.to cause a design element to extend around the outside of another element, creating a raised or external effect.

    Simple

    You can outset the border to make the button look like it is popping out.

    In context

    The developer decided to outset the shadow effect to provide more depth to the user interface components.

    Usage

    Used as a transitive verb in the context of CSS and graphic design.

    inset

Etymology 1

From out- + set, replacing earlier outsetting.

Etymology 2

From out- + set.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated