outen
Rare / ArchaicArchaic, dialectal (particularly Southern US and Scottish), poetic or literary
Definition
Meaning
To put out; to extinguish (a light, fire, etc.).
To remove or cause to leave; to expel. Also, to become extinguished or to die out. Historically used as an adverb meaning 'from without' or 'outside'.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
This verb is a rare example of a zero-derived causative verb from the adverb/preposition 'out'. It is now largely obsolete in standard English, surviving primarily in dialects and historical or poetic contexts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, it is virtually extinct except in historical texts or deliberate archaisms. In American English, it may be encountered in Southern or Appalachian dialects as a relic.
Connotations
Carries a strong archaic or rustic flavour. Use in modern standard English sounds markedly old-fashioned or dialectal.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both varieties. More likely to be found in American regional dialects than in contemporary British English.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] + outen + [Object] (e.g., She outened the lamp.)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “outen the light (archaic phrase for putting out a light)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Not used.
Academic
Only in historical linguistics or studies of dialectology.
Everyday
Not used in standard modern English.
Technical
Not used.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He carefully outened the tallow candle before retiring.
- The old lore spoke of a spell to outen an enchanted flame.
American English
- Grandpa said to outen the lantern before coming inside.
- They managed to outen the campfire just before the rain started.
adverb
British English
- Not applicable in standard usage.
American English
- Not applicable in standard usage.
adjective
British English
- Not applicable in standard usage.
American English
- Not applicable in standard usage.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The word 'outen' is an archaic verb meaning to extinguish.
- In some dialects, you might still hear 'outen the light'.
- The poet employed the verb 'outen' to lend a rustic, timeless quality to the scene of the dying hearth.
- Linguists note that 'outen' exemplifies a zero-derived causative verb formation that has fallen out of productive use.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'OUT' + 'EN' (like 'enlighten' but in reverse) = to make something go OUT.
Conceptual Metaphor
EXTINCTION IS A MOVEMENT OUTWARDS (e.g., to outen a fire is to force the flame 'out' of existence).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with modern 'out' as a verb (to reveal someone's secret).
- Not related to 'outsider'.
- The '-en' suffix is causative, not adjectival.
Common Mistakes
- Using it in modern standard English where 'put out' or 'extinguish' is required.
- Assuming it is a regular synonym for 'turn off' (for electrical devices).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'outen' most likely to be found today?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but it is archaic or dialectal. It was used in Middle and Early Modern English and survives in some regional dialects.
Not in standard modern English. Using 'outen' would sound very old-fashioned or deliberately poetic. Use 'turn off', 'switch off', or 'put out'.
They are synonyms, but 'extinguish' is the standard, formal term. 'Outen' is the older, simpler causative form from 'out'.
Primarily for reading older texts or understanding linguistic history. It demonstrates how English can form verbs from prepositions/adverbs, a process mostly inactive today.