[Elamur Dictionary](https://md.dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/) · [this page in HTML](https://dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/english/outset/)

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# outset

noun (the outset — singular only)

«outset» in the English dictionary: everyday — its meanings, how the lessons use it, and examples, each with its tree on Mova.

## Everyday

1. The outset is the start or beginning of something. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/O/outset/#m1)
2. «At the outset» means at the start; «from the outset» means from the start. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/O/outset/#m2)

### In the lessons

A slightly formal word in reading texts and exams: «From the outset it was clear the plan would fail» means from the very beginning. Everyday speech says «at the start» or «from the beginning».

### Examples

- From the outset, she knew she would win. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/O/outset/#x1)
- At the outset of the trip we had lots of energy. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/O/outset/#x2)
- Make the rules clear at the outset. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/O/outset/#x3)
- There were problems from the outset. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/O/outset/#x4)
- (formal) At the outset, the tank contained 50 litres. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/O/outset/#x5)
- He was nervous at the outset but soon relaxed. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/O/outset/#x6)

### Note

Used only in «at the outset» and «from the outset»; no plural. Do not confuse with «onset» (the start of something bad, like an illness) or «upset». In maths «at the outset» gives the starting amount.

## On Mova

- [Trees and pragmatics of «outset» in the school dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/O/outset/): every meaning and example parsed by Mova, with its dependency tree and frames.
- [«outset» in the school dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/dictionaries/school/w/outset.html) on Mova free.