outset
n. uncountablen. the very start of something. You use it to talk about the beginning of a process, a project, or a journey.
n. the start or beginning of an event or process. Almost exclusively used within the prepositional phrase 'at the outset' or 'from the outset'.
We made our goals clear from the outset.
It was obvious from the outset that the project would require more funding than originally planned.
Although the negotiations appeared promising at the outset, deep-seated disagreements regarding land rights eventually led to a total breakdown in communication between the two parties.
From out- + set, replacing earlier outsetting.
From out- + set.
Typically appears in the fixed phrases 'from the outset' or 'at the outset'.
in the outsetat the outsetThe noun 'outset' is used with the prepositions 'at' or 'from', but not 'in'.