Definition

1. Verb (intransitive):
   • To be very noticeable or prominent: To be easily seen or distinguished from others due to being different, superior, or conspicuous.
   • To be clearly better or more significant: To distinguish oneself by being superior in a particular area.
   • To project or protrude: To extend outward or be positioned away from a surface or group.
   • To persist in opposition or resistance: To remain firm and unyielding in a position or opinion.

Examples of Usage

• To be very noticeable:
  • Her bright red coat made her stand out in the crowd.
  • The modern design of the building stands out among the older ones.
• To be clearly better:
  • His dedication and skill stand out, making him the best candidate for the promotion.
  • This particular theory stands out as the most convincing explanation.
• To project or protrude:
  • The balcony stands out from the main wall of the house.
  • Several sharp rocks stand out from the cliff face.
• To persist in resistance (less common):
  • He stood out against the proposed changes, refusing to compromise.

Advanced Usage

• "to stand out from the crowd": To be noticeably different or superior compared to others in a group.
  • To get that job, you need a resume that stands out from the crowd.
• "to stand out a mile" (idiomatic): To be extremely obvious or easy to see.
  • His nervousness stood out a mile during the presentation.

Variants and Related Words

• Standout (noun/adjective): A person or thing of exceptional quality or prominence.
  • She was the clear standout performer of the night. (noun)
  • He gave a standout performance. (adjective)
• Outstanding (adjective): Exceptionally good; also, still existing or unpaid.
  • She received an award for outstanding achievement.

Synonyms

• Be conspicuous: To be easily seen or noticed.
• Excel: To be exceptionally good at something.
• Project: To extend outward beyond a surface.
• Be prominent: To be important, famous, or easily seen.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Stand out against: To resist or oppose something firmly.
  • The community stood out against the construction plans.
• Stand out for: To be recognized or notable because of a specific quality.
  • The region stands out for its excellent wines.

Related Idioms

• Head and shoulders above the rest: Significantly better than everyone or everything else (similar in meaning to "stand out" in terms of superiority).
  • Her technical knowledge puts her head and shoulders above the rest of the team.

Verb

1. be stubborn in resolution or resistance
2. steer away from shore, of ships
3. distinguish oneself
   • She excelled in math
4. be highly noticeable