outlay
UK[ˈaʊtleɪ]US[ˈaʊtˌleɪ]
n
An amount of money spent for a particular purpose, especially as a first investment in something.
v
To spend or pay out (money).
Morpheme Breakdown
out
lay
out
outward
lay
to put
Etymology
The word 'outlay' is a transparent compound formed from two native English elements. It originates from the Middle English combination of the adverb 'out' and the verb 'lay' (from Old English lecgan), creating the literal sense of "to lay out" or "expend." This concrete action of putting money out from one's possession evolved into the modern abstract noun denoting the sum of money expended, particularly for an initial investment or specific venture. Its straightforward morphological logic makes it a clear example of how Germanic compounding directly conveys financial concepts.
Analysis
Structure: out (outward) + lay (to put)
- out: Old English; a preposition/adverb meaning "outward, away from the interior."
- lay: Old English; a verb meaning "to put, place, or set down."
Examples
The initial outlay for the new equipment was substantial.
You will need to outlay a significant sum to start a business.
The project's success justified the high capital outlay.