outstand
C1/C2 (for verb); A2 (for adjective 'outstanding')Verb: Formal, archaic, technical (e.g., legal, surveying). Adjective ('outstanding'): Neutral to formal.
Definition
Meaning
To be prominent, conspicuous, or superior; to endure or withstand.
In modern usage, primarily as an adjective ('outstanding') meaning excellent, remarkable, or still unresolved/unpaid. The verb form is rare and often considered archaic or highly formal, meaning to stand out, to project, or to endure.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The verb 'outstand' is largely supplanted by phrasal verbs like 'stand out' or 'withstand'. Its primary modern survival is in the participial adjective 'outstanding'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal. The verb is equally rare in both. The adjective 'outstanding' is common in both with no significant variation.
Connotations
The verb may sound slightly more archaic or literary in BrE. In financial/administrative contexts, 'outstanding' (as in unpaid tasks or debts) is neutral in both.
Frequency
The adjective 'outstanding' is high-frequency. The verb 'outstand' is extremely low-frequency and may be misunderstood.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[V] (intransitive, rare)[V + as + NP] (e.g., outstand as a leader)[V + against + NP] (e.g., outstand against adversity)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Stand out from the crowd (replaces 'outstand')”
- “In a class of its own (related to 'outstanding')”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
'Outstanding invoice', 'outstanding shares', 'outstanding performance review'.
Academic
'An outstanding scholar', 'outstanding research', 'the theory that outstands all others' (archaic).
Everyday
'The meal was outstanding', 'I have one task outstanding'.
Technical
(Surveying/Law) 'An easement that outstands the property boundary'.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- Few medieval towers outstand the test of time so completely.
- His principles allowed him to outstand against considerable pressure.
American English
- The clause is designed to outstand changes in legislation.
- Her legacy outstands as a beacon of integrity.
adverb
British English
- The monument stands outstandingly tall against the skyline. (rare)
American English
- The company performed outstandingly well this quarter. (derived from adj.)
adjective
British English
- She received an award for outstanding bravery.
- Please settle any outstanding fees by the end of the month.
American English
- The team did an outstanding job on the project.
- We have three outstanding items on the agenda.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Your homework is outstanding.
- He is an outstanding footballer.
- We have one outstanding problem to solve.
- The view from the hotel was outstanding.
- The invoice has been outstanding for 60 days.
- Her outstanding talent was recognised early.
- The legal precedent set by the case outstands all others in its field. (rare verb)
- The committee addressed several outstanding issues from the last meeting.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: OUT + STAND = to stand OUT. The adjective 'outstanding' means 'so good it stands out'.
Conceptual Metaphor
QUALITY IS HEIGHT/VISIBILITY (outstanding performance 'towers above' others).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid directly translating the verb 'outstand' as 'выстоять' (which is 'withstand'). For 'outstanding', use 'выдающийся', 'замечательный', or 'неоплаченный' depending on context (excellent vs. unpaid).
Common Mistakes
- Using 'outstand' as a common verb instead of 'stand out'. (Incorrect: 'She outstands in maths.' Correct: 'She stands out in maths.' or 'She is outstanding in maths.')
- Confusing 'outstanding' (excellent) with 'outstanding' (unresolved) without context.
Practice
Quiz
In a business report, 'outstanding liabilities' most likely means:
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is very rare and often sounds archaic. Use 'stand out' (for prominence) or 'withstand' (for endurance) instead.
As the present participle adjective 'outstanding', meaning either 'excellent' or 'still existing/unresolved'.
Yes, in administrative or financial contexts, it means 'unresolved' or 'unpaid' (e.g., outstanding issues, outstanding debt), which is neutral-negative.
'Outstanding' is an adjective. 'Stand out' is a phrasal verb. You 'stand out' from a group, and as a result, you are 'outstanding'.