C1nounformalwork
US/ˈaʊt.set/
UK/ˈaʊt.set/
the start or beginning of an event, process or period
In context
We made it clear from the outset that the job would involve weekend work.
At the outset of the project, nobody expected it to take three years.
There were problems with the new software right from the outset.
Words that go with outset
noun + preposition
- outset ofAt the outset of the war, few people thought it would last long.
adjective + preposition
- clear from the outsetIt was clear from the outset that she was the best candidate.
- obvious from the outsetIt was obvious from the outset that the plan would fail.
verb + preposition
- state at the outsetLet me state at the outset that I am not an expert.
- involved from the outsetLocal people were involved from the outset, so they supported the project.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
In the outset, everything went well.Correct: At the outset, everything went well.