Phrasal verb
stand out
Definition
phrasal verb. to be very easy to see or notice because something is different from the things around it.
phrasal verb. to be conspicuous or easily distinguishable from a surrounding group or background. Intransitive — does not take a direct object.
Examples
“Her bright red hair makes her stand out in a crowd.”
“The applicant's extensive volunteer experience helped her stand out from the other candidates during the hiring process.”
“The minimalist architecture of the new museum causes it to stand out sharply against the ornate, historical buildings of the old city square.”
Examples
simple
“Her bright red hair makes her stand out in a crowd.”
contextual
“The applicant's extensive volunteer experience helped her stand out from the other candidates during the hiring process.”
complex
“The minimalist architecture of the new museum causes it to stand out sharply against the ornate, historical buildings of the old city square.”
Usage
often followed by the prepositions 'from' or 'in'.
Teaching tip
contrast with 'blend in' (antonym) and 'stick out' (often used for something negative or physically protruding); 'stand out' is frequently used for positive excellence.
Pitfall
He stands out the other students.
He stands out from the other students.
the verb is intransitive and requires a preposition like 'from' or 'among' to connect to a group.
Phrasal verb
Particles
out
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
stand + out
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
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