Outstand
/ˌaʊtˈstænd/noun
To be prominent or conspicuous; to stand out from others.
Did you know?Unlike darker words like “spell” or “glamour,” “outstand” is a straightforward Germanic formation whose power comes from the ancient image of physical standing apart, which later became a metaphor for superiority and visibility.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*stā-
“to stand, make or be firm”
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*standaną
“to stand”
Old English
English
ūtstandan
“to stand out, remain outside, be prominent”
Middle English
English
outstonden
“to stand out, project, or remain beyond”
Modern English
English
outstand
“to be prominent or conspicuous”
Explore more surprising origins