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

Sigrid McCawley, a member of Lively’s legal team, said the case will now move forward on retaliation claims, which they described as its central focus from the outset.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 2, 2026

From the outset, the justices gave Trump’s solicitor general, John Sauer, a frosty reception.

From Slate • Apr. 1, 2026

“Mr. Musk has admittedly done more than one thing that naysayers have called impossible at the outset so we wouldn’t necessarily count him out,” wrote the Bernstein analysts, led by Stacy Rasgon.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 23, 2026

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 • Mar. 16, 2026

As I wrote at the outset of this book: The chilling truth is that Wes’s story could have been mine; the tragedy is that my story could have been his.

From "The Other Wes Moore: One Name, Two Fates" by Wes Moore

Related Words

• beginning