# stand out

CEFR B1 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/stand-out
Updated: 2026-10-23

## Definition

to be very easy to see or notice because something is different from the things around it.

For teachers: 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.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He stands out the other students." but "He stands out from the other students." — the verb is intransitive and requires a preposition like 'from' or 'among' to connect to a group.

## Usage notes

- 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.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.