outset

/ˈaʊtset/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈaʊtset/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈau̇t-ˌset/ (ame, mw)

outset — noun

1. the very first moment or early stage in a process, activity, or period of time

1.名詞B1
釋義

the very first moment or early stage in a process, activity, or period of time

例句

At the outset of the conference, the keynote speaker announced a change to the schedule.

prepositional phrase: at the outset of + noun phrase

From the outset, Élise insisted that every team member should have a vote.

from the outset + that-clause for stating an early decision

同義詞
  • beginning

    more general and versatile; can be used as a standalone noun in any register

  • start

    more casual and common for everyday activities (races, journeys, films)

  • commencement

    more formal than outset; typical in official or ceremonial contexts

反義詞
  • end

    the final point, opposite of the first point

  • conclusion

    the formal closing stage, matching the register of 'outset'

  • finish

    the point when something stops or is completed

文法句型

at the outset (of …)

from the outset (of …)

用法筆記

Outset is almost always used in the fixed phrases 'at the outset (of)' or 'from the outset (of).' Unlike 'beginning' or 'start,' it rarely appears as a standalone subject or object — it nearly always follows a preposition.

常見錯誤

❌At the outset of the race, the runners were nervous.
✅At the start of the race, the runners were nervous.
💡'outset' sounds too formal for everyday events like races; use 'start' or 'beginning' instead.
❌The outset of the book was boring.
✅The beginning of the book was boring.
💡'outset' does not work as a casual standalone noun for the first part of ordinary things.