Phrasal verb
stick out
Irregular verb
Forms
Infinitive
stick out
Past
stuck out
Past participle
stuck out
Definition
phrasal verb. to be very easy to notice because something looks different from everything else around it.
phrasal verb. to be prominent or conspicuous by being different from the surrounding environment or group. Intransitive in this sense, though it can also function transitively when meaning to extend a body part outward.
Examples
“Her bright red hair makes her stick out in a crowd.”
“The modern glass building really sticks out among the old stone houses in the village.”
“While the data appeared consistent at first glance, one specific figure began to stick out as a potential anomaly during the final review.”
Examples
simple
“Her bright red hair makes her stick out in a crowd.”
contextual
“The modern glass building really sticks out among the old stone houses in the village.”
complex
“While the data appeared consistent at first glance, one specific figure began to stick out as a potential anomaly during the final review.”
Usage
often used with the phrase 'like a sore thumb' to emphasize how obvious or awkward something is.
Teaching tip
contrast with 'stand out' (which often has a positive connotation of being better); 'stick out' is more neutral or can imply that something looks out of place or strange.
Pitfall
He sticks out from the crowd.
He sticks out in the crowd.
while 'stands out from' is common, 'stick out' typically uses 'in' to describe being noticeable within a group.
Phrasal verb
Particles
out
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
stick + 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
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
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