out-of-the-way
/'autəvðə'wei/
Definition
- Adjective:
- Remote or secluded: Located far from populated areas or frequented routes; isolated.
- Unusual or extraordinary: Not ordinary or common; peculiar or exceptional.
- Improper or offensive: Not conforming to accepted standards; likely to cause annoyance or resentment.
Usage and Examples
Describing a remote location:
- We discovered an out-of-the-way beach that was completely empty.
- The cabin is in a very out-of-the-way spot, perfect for a quiet retreat.
Describing something unusual:
- He has a talent for finding out-of-the-way facts.
- The shop sells all sorts of out-of-the-way curiosities.
Describing improper behavior or remarks:
- She made an out-of-the-way comment that offended several guests.
- His out-of-the-way behavior at the formal dinner was noted by everyone.
Advanced Usage
- "to get/keep out of the way": This is a related phrasal verb phrase meaning to move or stay aside so as not to obstruct, or to deal with something. It is distinct from the hyphenated adjective.
- Please get that box out of the way.
- Let's get the paperwork out of the way first.
Variants and Related Words
- Out-of-the-way is a hyphenated compound adjective. Its spelling is fixed in this form when used attributively (before a noun).
- Remote (adj): Far away; isolated. (A close synonym for the first meaning).
- Secluded (adj): Sheltered and private; kept away from others.
- Uncommon (adj): Not occurring often; unusual.
- Unseemly (adj): Not proper or appropriate. (A close synonym for the third meaning).
Synonyms
- For remote: isolated, inaccessible, off the beaten track, far-flung.
- For unusual: uncommon, extraordinary, peculiar, odd, offbeat.
- For improper: inappropriate, unseemly, offensive, tactless.
Related Phrases and Idioms
- Out of the way: This is the adverbial phrase from which the adjective is derived. It can mean:
- No longer an obstacle or in the path.
- With that problem out of the way, we can proceed.
- In a remote location.
- They live somewhere out of the way.
- Off the beaten path/track: An idiom meaning in a remote or little-known place. (Similar to the first meaning of ).
Adjective
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remote from populous or much-traveled regions
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they found a quiet out-of-the-way resort
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improper or even offensive
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out-of-the-way remarks
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out of the ordinary
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out-of-the-way information
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