outset
gb/ˈaʊtsˌɛt/ us/ˈaʊtsˌɛt/
B2
English
~ 8000
kezdet, eleje
NOUN
B2
1
Usage pattern:
the outset of [something]
We agreed on the main goals at the outset of the project.
A projekt kezdetén megállapodtunk a fő célokban.
It was clear from the outset that the plan would be difficult to carry out.
Már a kezdetektől világos volt, hogy a tervet nehéz lesz megvalósítani.
At the outset of the meeting, the manager thanked everyone for coming.
Problems appeared almost immediately, even at the very outset of the program.
They made their expectations clear at the outset of the relationship.
Learner examples
At the outset of the course, the teacher gave us a test.
A tanfolyam elején a tanár tesztet íratott velünk.
We had some problems at the outset of the trip.
Volt néhány problémánk az út elején.
From the outset, I liked my new job.
It is important to plan well at the outset.
We knew the rules from the outset of the game.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse "outset" with "onset". "Outset" means the beginning of an activity or process in general, while "onset" often refers to the start of something unpleasant or sudden, such as "the onset of winter" or "the onset of illness." Learners also sometimes use it without an article; in most cases you should say "the outset" and use it in fixed phrases like "at the outset" or "from the outset."
Meaning
the beginning of something
Collocations
from the outset
|at the outset
|the outset of the
|the outset of the project
|right from the outset
Synonyms
beginning (Most common and general word for the start of something.)
|
start (More informal and everyday than "outset"; used in more situations.)
|
early stages (Emphasizes the first part of a longer process rather than a single starting point.)
Antonyms
end (Refers to the final part, opposite to the beginning or outset.)
|
finish (Focuses on the point where something stops, opposite of when it starts.)
Themes
time
|work
|planning
|core_vocabulary
Definition
The time when something starts or is just beginning.
The very beginning or early stage of an activity, process, or period of time.
Grammar
Dictionary form
outset
IPA
GB/ˈaʊtsˌɛt/
US/ˈaʊtsˌɛt/
Syllables & stress
out - set (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (out)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: outset
Expressions
at the outset
1/ˈæt ðə ˈaʊtsˌɛt/
fixed phrase
at the very beginning
At the time when something begins.
Examples
- At the outset, nobody expected the project to grow so fast.
- The rules were explained clearly at the outset of the meeting.
- It is wise to set a budget at the outset of a new project.
from the outset
1/fɹˈʌm ðə ˈaʊtsˌɛt/
fixed phrase
starting at the very beginning
From the very beginning of something and continuing after that point.
Examples
- They were honest with each other from the outset.
- The company made its goals clear from the outset of the campaign.
- We knew from the outset that the task would be challenging.