outstand

[ out-stand ]

verb (used without object)

, out·stood, out·stand·ing.

1. to be prominent.

verb (used with object)

, out·stood, out·stand·ing.

1. to stay or remain beyond:

   to outstand the hour.

outstand

/ ˌaʊtˈstænd /

verb

1. intr to be outstanding or excel
2. intr nautical to stand out to sea
3. archaic.
   tr to last beyond

Word History and Origins

Origin of outstand¹

First recorded in 1565–75; out- + stand

Example Sentences

I warrant she will change her mind one time or other: I only wish she may not, as the old saying is, outstand her market.'

From Project Gutenberg

More About Outstand

What does outstand mean?

To outstand is to stay or remain beyond, as in Mattie outstood the rain during the long hike and managed to reach the end.

To outstand is also to be prominent or surpassing. When you outstand someone else, you are more prominent, conspicuous, or striking than the other person (go, you!). You might outstand someone in terms of social status, physical size, beauty, charisma, or anything else you might compare people about. 

Example: Mateo really outstood at the competition tonight.

Where does outstand come from?

The first records of the term outstand come from around the 1560s. It combines the prefix out- meaning “going beyond” or “surpassing,” and the term stand, meaning “to maintain a position.” 

Outstand isn’t a very common term in the “surpassing” sense. It’s more likely that when you outstand someone else, you would be described as outstanding. This verb is sometimes used in formal events in which two or more people are directly compared. Still, if someone says you outstood at something, we say you should take the compliment with a smile!

Did you know … ?

What are some other forms related to outstand?

• outstanding (adjective)

What are some words that share a root or word element with outstand? 

• out
• stand
• outstanding
• outspoken
• freestanding

What are some words that often get used in discussing outstand?

• competition
• contest
• importance
• prominent

How is outstand used in real life?

Outstand is usually used formally, while outshine or outlast might be used in more informal settings. It is sometimes mistakenly used instead of outstanding.

The main goal of the competitors analysis is to find out how your target audience perceive your rivals, and outstand – @Peter_Sandeen #cps16

— Semrush (@semrush) July 25, 2016

When you hate you create an energy that’s frequency doesn’t vibrate in a way something will be able to maintain longevity. Positive vibrations will outstand negativity.

— TheShoeSurgeon (@TheShoeSurgeon) September 28, 2018

Your evolution of jumping parties will outstand human race evolution..

— Ashraf (@Ashraf90074211) March 13, 2022

Updated on February 27, 2023

Try using outstand!

Is outstand used correctly in the following sentence?

“If I’m going to get tickets to the big game, I’m going to have to outstand everyone here in line.”