out-and-out
/'autənd'aut/
Definition
Adjective: - Complete, thorough, absolute: Used to emphasize that something is total, complete, or without any doubt or restriction. It often has a negative connotation, describing something bad or extreme in its nature.
Usage
"Out-and-out" is used as an adjective before a noun to provide strong emphasis. It means that the noun it describes is an extreme or perfect example, often in a negative sense. It is a somewhat informal intensifier.
Examples
- That was an out-and-out lie. (That was a complete and total lie.)
- The project was an out-and-out failure from the start.
- He is an out-and-out scoundrel who cannot be trusted.
- The celebration turned into out-and-out chaos.
Advanced Usage
- "out-and-out" as an intensifier: The phrase functions to intensify the noun it modifies, stressing its extreme or unambiguous nature.
- Her performance was not just good; it was out-and-out brilliance.
Variants and Related Words
- Downright (adj./adv.): Complete and direct, often used similarly before nouns or adjectives.
- That was a downright insult.
- Absolute (adj.): Complete and total.
- Sheer (adj.): Used to emphasize the complete, unqualified nature of something.
- It was sheer luck that we survived.
- Rank (adj.): Complete and unmistakable (usually negative).
- He is a rank amateur.
Synonyms
- Complete
- Total
- Utter
- Unmitigated
- Arrant (literary)
Related Phrases
- Through and through: Completely, in every aspect. (This is an adverbial phrase, not a direct synonym as an adjective).
- He is a villain through and through.
Notes
- "Out-and-out" is typically hyphenated when used as an adjective before a noun.
- It is less common in formal writing and more frequent in spoken or informal contexts for strong emphasis.
Adjective
-
complete and without restriction or qualification; sometimes used informally as intensifiers
-
absolute freedom
-
an absolute dimwit
-
a downright lie
-
out-and-out mayhem
-
an out-and-out lie
-
a rank outsider
-
many right-down vices
-
got the job through sheer persistence
-
sheer stupidity
-
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