out-

out- [aut] prefix

1.) used to form nouns and adjectives from verbs that are followed by 'out'

▪ an outbreak of flu (=from 'break out')

▪ outspoken comments (=from 'speak out')

2.) [in nouns and adjectives]

outside or beyond something

▪ an outbuilding (=small building away from the main building)

▪ outlying areas (=far from the centre)

3.) [in verbs]

being or becoming bigger, further, greater etc than someone or something else

▪ He's outgrown his clothes (=become too big for them) .

▪ She outlived her brother (=he died before her) .

4.) [in verbs]

doing better than someone, so that you defeat them

▪ I can out-argue you any day.

▪ She outran him.