Definition

1. Verb (intransitive):

   • To be prominent or conspicuous: "outstand" means to stand out or be noticeably distinct from others.
   • To sail out to sea: In nautical contexts, "outstand" refers to a vessel moving away from shore into open water.

2. Verb (transitive, archaic):

   • To resist or withstand: "outstand" can mean to oppose or endure something.
   • To stay longer than: In older usage, "outstand" means to remain beyond a certain time or period.

Usage Examples

• Intransitive verb:

  • Her talent for painting outstands among her peers. (Her skill is notably distinct compared to others.)
  • The ship outstood from the harbour at dawn. (The vessel sailed away from the port into the sea.)

• Transitive verb (archaic):

  • The fortress outstood the siege for months. (The fortress resisted the attack for a long time.)
  • He outstood his welcome by staying for three weeks. (He remained longer than he was invited to.)

Advanced Usage

• "to outstand against": to resist or oppose something strongly.

  • The rebels outstood against the tyrant's rule. (They actively resisted the oppressive government.)

• "to outstand the test of time": to endure or remain relevant over a long period.

  • This classic novel outstands the test of time. (It remains popular and meaningful across generations.)

Variants and Related Words

• Outstanding (adj): exceptionally good; prominent or noticeable.

  • She received an award for her outstanding performance. (Her performance was remarkably excellent.)

• Outstandingly (adv): in a way that is very noticeable or excellent.

  • He performed outstandingly in the competition. (He did exceptionally well.)

Synonyms

• Excel: to be exceptionally good at something.
  • She excels in mathematics. (She performs better than most.)
• Endure: to continue to exist despite difficulties.
  • The ancient tradition endures to this day. (It persists over time.)
• Withstand: to resist or survive something.
  • The building withstood the earthquake. (It did not collapse.)

Phrasal Verbs

• Outstand against: to resist or oppose.
  • The community outstood against the new development plan. (They actively fought against it.)

Related Idioms

• Stand out from the crowd: to be noticeably different or better than others.
  • Her unique style makes her stand out from the crowd. (She is easily noticed for being different.)
• Outstay one's welcome: to remain longer than is desired or polite.
  • He outstood his welcome at the party by staying until midnight. (He stayed too long.)