stick out
B1Informal
Definition
Meaning
To extend beyond the usual limits or boundaries; to protrude.
To be conspicuous, unusual, or notably different from surroundings; to endure something unpleasant.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Functions as a separable phrasal verb (e.g., 'stick it out'). The meaning of 'enduring' is typically paired with 'out' and often requires an object. The literal 'protrude' sense is often intransitive.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both dialects use it similarly. No major usage differences, though spelling variations appear in derived adjectives ('stick-out' vs. 'stuck-out' more common in UK).
Connotations
In both, 'stick out' implies visibility and non-conformity. To 'stick something out' suggests perseverance, slightly more common in American motivational contexts.
Frequency
Equally common in both dialects. The idiom 'stick out like a sore thumb' is extremely frequent.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
NP stick out (intransitive)stick NP out (transitive)stick out NP (transitive, less common)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “stick out like a sore thumb”
- “stick your neck out”
- “stick it out”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used to describe a company or product that is distinctive in the market. 'Our new design needs to stick out from the competition.'
Academic
Used literally in physics/engineering (e.g., 'a rod sticking out'), or figuratively in social sciences regarding non-conformity.
Everyday
Most common for describing something physically protruding or a person being obviously different.
Technical
In engineering/design: 'The component must not stick out beyond the specified tolerance.'
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The old postbox really sticks out on the modern high street.
- You have to stick it out until the end of term.
American English
- His ears stick out from under his baseball cap.
- We decided to stick out the long meeting.
adjective
British English
- He has slightly stick-out ears.
American English
- The stick-out handle kept catching on things.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The nail sticks out of the wall. Be careful!
- My shirt tag sticks out.
- The new tower sticks out above all the old buildings.
- If you wear that bright jacket, you'll stick out in the crowd.
- Her dedication really sticks out among her peers.
- Despite the difficulties, she's determined to stick it out and finish the project.
- The data point sticks out as a clear anomaly, suggesting a measurement error.
- He stuck his neck out for the team by challenging the manager's decision.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a sore thumb – it's swollen, red, and very obvious. Anything that STICKS OUT is just as noticeable and separate from the rest.
Conceptual Metaphor
VISIBILITY IS PROTRUSION (e.g., 'His ideas stick out'), ENDURANCE IS HOLDING A POSITION (e.g., 'stick out the storm').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation from 'торчать' for enduring situations. 'Stick out' for enduring is only in 'stick it out'. 'Торчать' as 'to be somewhere' is 'to hang out'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'stick out' transitively without 'it' for endurance (wrong: 'I will stick out the cold' – better: 'I will stick it out in the cold').
- Confusing 'stick out' (protrude) with 'stand out' (excel).
Practice
Quiz
What does 'stick it out' mean in this sentence: 'The training was brutal, but I stuck it out.'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is primarily informal. In formal writing, synonyms like 'protrude', 'project', or 'be conspicuous' are preferred.
'Stick out' often has a negative or neutral connotation of being physically prominent or awkwardly different. 'Stand out' is more positive, meaning to excel or be remarkably good (e.g., 'She stands out as a leader').
It's more idiomatic to say 'stick *it* out' or 'stick out *the* hardship' is acceptable but less common than using 'it'. 'Endure the hardship' is clearer.
It's rare. As a compound adjective, it's usually hyphenated: 'a stick-out handle'. There's no common noun form; use 'protrusion'.