out and away
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Adverb - By a considerable margin; to a very great degree; by far: Used to emphasize that something is the best, greatest, or most extreme example within a group, surpassing all others by a large amount.
Usage
This adverb is used to intensify a superlative adjective (e.g., best, smartest, fastest) or a phrase indicating a top position. It always precedes the superlative it modifies. It is a formal and emphatic expression.
Examples
Advanced Usage
- "Out and away" functions identically to the more common phrase "by far". It is often used in written English for strong emphasis.
- Her theory is out and away the most plausible explanation for the phenomenon.
Variants and Related Words
- By far: The most common synonym, identical in meaning and usage.
- This is by far the easiest method.
- Far and away: Another fixed adverbial phrase with the same meaning and function as "out and away".
- It was far and away the highlight of the trip.
Synonyms
- Easily: (when used with a superlative)
- By a long way:
- By a wide margin:
Notes
- "Out and away" is a fixed phrase. Its individual words ("out", "and", "away") do not contribute their separate meanings in this idiom.
- It is not commonly used in casual, everyday conversation, where "by far" is preferred.
Adverb
- by a considerable margin
- she was by far the smartest student
- it was far and away the best meal he had ever eaten