outset

American  

[out-set] / ˈaʊtˌsɛt /

noun

1. the beginning or start.

   I wanted to explain the situation at the outset.

2. outsert.

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outset British  

/ ˈaʊtˌsɛt /

noun

1. a start; beginning (esp in the phrase from ( or at ) the outset )

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outset Idioms  

1. see at the outset.

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Etymology

Origin of outset

First recorded in 1530–40; out- + set

Compare meaning

How does outset compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• onset vs. outset

Example Sentences

The club said: "From the outset of this process, the club has treated these matters with the utmost seriousness, providing full cooperation to all relevant regulators."

From BBC

“I don’t think any of us understood at the outset what magnitude that would be,” she said.

From Los Angeles Times

To my surprise, I was gripped from its outset, fascinated by the way Pakula and screenwriter William Goldman managed to make the mundane so fascinating.

From Salon

"I said at the outset that this would cost a lot of money and take time. It has done. But I genuinely believe it has been worth it," she added.

From BBC

"I said at the outset that this inquiry would cost a lot of money and take time. It has done. But I genuinely believe it has been worth it," Hallett said.

From BBC

Related Words

• beginning