at the outset

1. Also, from the outset. At the start, from the start. For example, He wanted to explain his position from the outset, but there wasn't time, or At the outset the problem seemed simple, but then it became quite complicated. The noun outset is rarely heard today except in these phrases. [Mid-1700s]

Example Sentences

At the outset, this theory should raise an eyebrow, since it harms the very parties—victims of illegal impoundments—that the law was designed to help.

From Slate

At the outset, Ronson wanted his book to capture the seediness of 90s club culture, where he'd play "night in, night out for $100" while "cokehead club owners shouted at me for not playing enough Madonna".

From BBC

The former Metropolitan Police officer the family enlisted to help, David Johnston, says if Sarm had gone missing in the UK, the case would have been treated at the outset as "likely to be a missing person where there is crime involved".

From BBC

And so, despite their warm greeting at the outset of the proceedings, the exchange did not end in a friendly manner.

From Slate

That, coupled with Edebiri’s distinctive style, add to the scene’s sense of discovery: At the outset, Tina and Mikey don’t yet know each other, much less know that they need each other.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• initially 
• originally