Browse all

stand out

B1 neutral inseparable intransitive
In simple words

To be easy to see or to be clearly better or different from the rest.

Literal meaning: To physically project outwards beyond a surface.

Meanings

1 B1 neutral

To be very easy to see or notice because of being different from surroundings.

"Her bright red coat made her stand out in the grey winter crowd."

Grammar: inseparable
2 B1 idiomatic neutral

To be clearly better or more impressive than others.

"Of all the applicants, her portfolio really stood out."

"You've got to stand out from the crowd."

— Richard Branson, commonly attributed in interviews and Virgin Group publications
Grammar: inseparable
3 A2 neutral

To physically protrude or project outward from a surface.

"A nail was standing out from the wooden beam, so we hammered it back in."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

One of the most common phrasal verbs in English. Frequently used in job interviews, writing, and competitive contexts. 'Stand-out' as a compound adjective (e.g., 'a stand-out performance') is also very common.

Commonly used with

crowd competition performance candidate color talent

Forms

Base
stand out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
stands out
he/she/it
Past simple
stood out
yesterday
Past participle
stood out
have + pp
-ing form
standing out
continuous

Understand "stand out" better

Try:

Real video examples

Video examples are being collected. Check back soon.

Synonyms

be conspicuous be noticeable shine be prominent distinguish oneself excel

Want to master this phrasal verb?

Practice "stand out" on Looplines