Learn English – Understand prefix out-

prefixes

From Merriam-Webster

out- in a manner that is greater, better, or more than something else.
in a manner that exceeds or surpasses and
sometimes overpowers or defeats. e.g outmaneuver>

Does outmaneuver literally mean that manoeuvre the opponents out?

How shall we explain outset (meaning beginning) and outtake then?

Best Answer

You may have noticed that some words have more than one meaning.

I am going to the beach.

I am going to eat.

The same can go for parts of words like prefixes.

outward (towards the outside)

outbid (to bid more than someone else)

Also, you may have noticed that when you put words together, or even standing a lone, they may have non-literal meanings. They may have meanings that just are.

call out (to yell)

put out (to douse a fire -or- to let an animal outside -or- to offer oneself)

See, you hit more than one with the last one.

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