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stick out

B1 neutral mixed both
In simple words

Poke out beyond something, be very easy to notice, or keep doing something difficult.

Literal meaning: To extend outward from a surface or container.

Meanings

1 A2 neutral

To extend or protrude beyond a surface or boundary.

"A nail was sticking out from the wall and she nearly cut her hand on it."

Grammar: inseparable
2 B1 idiomatic neutral

To be very noticeable or conspicuous, often because of being different.

"Wearing a suit to the beach made him stick out immediately."

Grammar: inseparable
3 B2 idiomatic neutral

To remain memorable or prominent in the mind.

"One moment from that holiday really sticks out in my memory."

Grammar: inseparable
4 B2 idiomatic informal

To endure or persist with something difficult. (see also 'stick it out')

"It's a tough assignment but try to stick it out for one more week."

Grammar: separable
Usage notes

'Stick out like a sore thumb' is a fixed idiom meaning to be very conspicuous. 'Stick it out' (endure) is also a fixed phrase. The protruding and conspicuousness senses are very common.

Commonly used with

thumb tongue sore thumb crowd mind memory

Forms

Base
stick out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
sticks out
he/she/it
Past simple
stuck out
yesterday
Past participle
stuck out
have + pp
-ing form
sticking out
continuous

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Synonyms

protrude stand out be conspicuous endure jut out be noticeable

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