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

1. by a considerable margin
   • she was by far the smartest student
   • it was far and away the best meal he had ever eaten