# stick out

CEFR B1 · Phrasal verb

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

## Definition

to be very easy to notice because something looks different from everything else around it.

For teachers: 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.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He sticks out from the crowd." but "He sticks out in the crowd." — while 'stands out from' is common, 'stick out' typically uses 'in' to describe being noticeable within a group.

## Usage notes

- 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.

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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.