outset

outset — noun

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

1.nounB1
Definition

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

Example

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

Common collocations
  • at the outset
  • from the outset
  • at the outset of
  • right from the outset
  • clear from the outset
Synonyms
  • 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

Antonyms
  • 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

Grammar Patterns

at the outset (of …)

from the outset (of …)

Usage Note

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.

Common Mistakes

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.
Idioms

at/from the outset (of something)

idiom

At or from the very beginning of an event or situation.

From the outset, Maya insisted on fair treatment for everyone.

Did you know from the outset that the project would fail?

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

Outset, beginning, start, and commencement all refer to the first point of something, but they differ in register and usage patterns. 'Outset' is the most restricted in form — it is almost always embedded in the prepositional phrases 'at the outset' or 'from the outset' and carries a slightly formal tone, typical of writing about projects, discussions, or processes viewed from a later point. 'Beginning' is the most general and flexible: it can serve as a standalone noun ('the beginning was dull'), appear in time phrases ('at the beginning'), or function in fixed idioms. 'Start' is the most casual and frequent for everyday events ('the start of the race', 'a fresh start'). 'Commencement' is markedly formal and is reserved for official ceremonies or solemn processes ('the commencement of the trial'). For most learner contexts, 'beginning' is the safest choice; use 'outset' when you want a precise, slightly formal tone in a hindsight perspective.

outset ↗beginning ↗start ↗commencement

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

Phrases

  • at the outset
  • from the outset
  • at the outset of

Prepositions

Etymology

English

Outset is a compound formed within English in the mid-1700s by combining 'out' (meaning forward or away) and 'set' (meaning to put in position or start). It originally referred to the beginning of a journey or enterprise, and later broadened to any process or activity.