zoom out
A2 neutral inseparable intransitive
In simple words
To make the camera or screen show a wider, smaller picture so you can see more around it
Literal meaning: To move the zoom setting outward (away from the subject), reducing magnification
Meanings
1 A2 neutral
To reduce the zoom level on a camera, map, or screen to show a larger area with less detail
"Zoom out a bit so I can see which country we're looking at on the map."
Grammar: inseparable
2 B1
idiomatic
neutral
To take a wider, more general perspective on a situation or problem, rather than focusing on the fine details
"Let's zoom out for a moment — what is the overall goal we're trying to achieve here?"
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
The literal sense is universal in digital and camera contexts. The figurative sense ('let's zoom out and look at the big picture') is very common in business, academic, and strategic discussions.
Commonly used with
camera map screen picture perspective image
Forms
Base
zoom out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
zooms out
he/she/it
Past simple
zoomed out
yesterday
Past participle
zoomed out
have + pp
-ing form
zooming out
continuous
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Synonyms
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