Definition

1. Adjective (Predicative): Determined or intending to achieve a specific, often stated, goal. It describes a fixed purpose or strong resolve directed toward a particular outcome.

Usage

• The adjective "out to" is almost always used after a linking verb (like , , , ). It is not typically used before a noun (attributively).
• It is followed by a verb in the infinitive form (to + base verb) that specifies the goal.
• It often carries a connotation of strong, sometimes aggressive or single-minded, determination.

Examples

• Adjective:
  • She is out to prove her critics wrong. (She is determined to prove them wrong.)
  • The new company is out to dominate the market. (The company intends to dominate the market.)
  • He seems out to get revenge for the insult. (He appears intent on getting revenge.)

Advanced Usage

• "out to" + Verb Phrase: The phrase can be extended to describe complex intentions.
  • The journalist is out to expose corruption at the highest levels.
  • They are out to make a name for themselves in the industry.

Variants and Related Words

• Bent on (something/doing something): Having a firm intention to do something, often stubbornly.
  • He was bent on quitting his job that very day.
• Dead set on (something/doing something): Unshakeably determined.
  • She is dead set on moving abroad.
• Intent on (something/doing something): Concentrated and determined on an action or purpose.
  • The student was intent on finishing the assignment.

Synonyms

• Determined to
• Intent on
• Aiming to
• Resolved to
• Fixed on

Related Phrases

• Have one's sights set on: To be determined to get or achieve something.
  • She has her sights set on the presidency.
• Hell-bent on: (Informal, emphatic) Extremely determined to do something, often recklessly.
  • He was hell-bent on winning the argument.

Adjective

1. fixed in your purpose
   • bent on going to the theater
   • dead set against intervening
   • out to win every event