outset
UK[ˈaʊtset]US[ˈaʊtset]
n
The beginning or start of something
Morpheme Breakdown
out
set
out
set
Etymology
The word 'outset' is a transparent compound formed from two native English elements. It originated in the mid-18th century, directly combining 'out' and 'set' to create a noun. The literal sense is "a setting out," which evolved into the abstract meaning of the initial stage or start of an activity or process. Its logic is clear: just as one physically sets out on a journey, any endeavor has an outset from which it begins.
Analysis
Structure: out + set
- out (Old English 'ūt'): A word-forming element meaning "outward, external, away, forth."
- set (Old English 'sett'): A word-forming element from the past participle of 'settan', meaning "to set, place, put."
Examples
From the very outset, it was clear the project would be challenging.
She made her intentions known at the outset of the meeting.
The plan was flawed from the outset.