Meaning & use
stands out
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“stands out” is a form of “stand out”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.
Meanings
verbphrasal verb
Is easy to see or notice because it is different from what is around it.
Grammar: No object: the red door stands out.
Patterns
- something stands out from something
- something stands out against something
Her red coat stands out in the grey crowd.
One name stands out from the rest of the list.
The white tower stands out against the dark sky.
verbphrasal verbapproving
Is clearly better or more impressive than others of the same kind.
Grammar: No object, often followed by as or for: she stands out as the best.
Patterns
- someone stands out as something
- stand out for something
Among all the applicants, she stands out for her experience.
This film stands out as the best of the year.
He stands out as a natural leader.
verbphrasal verb
Sticks out or projects from a surface.
Grammar: No object: the beam stands out from the wall.
Patterns
- something stands out from something
The veins stand out on his neck when he lifts weights.
A rock stands out from the cliff face.
The raised letters stand out from the page.
Word forms
| base form | stand out |
|---|---|
| past tense | stood out |
| -ing form | standing out |
Common combinations
- stands out from the crowd
- Her voice stands out from the crowd.
- stands out as
- This book stands out as a classic.
- really stands out
- The blue logo really stands out.
- stands out against
- The lighthouse stands out against the sea.
- clearly stands out
- One answer clearly stands out.
Synonyms and how they differ
- is outstanding
- Is outstanding means excellent, while stands out can also describe something simply noticeable.
- excels
- Excels stresses skill, whereas stands out describes visibility or comparison.
- is noticeable
- Is noticeable is neutral and plain, while stands out sounds stronger.
- shines
- Shines is more figurative, suggesting excellence in performance, while stands out is broader.
Opposites
Word family
- outstanding adjective
- excellent or remarkable
- standout noun
- a person or thing that is exceptionally good
- stand out verb
- the base phrasal verb
- standing noun
- a position or reputation
Commonly confused: stands out or stands for?
stands out vs stands for
Stands for means represents or is short for, while stands out means is noticeable.
Practice
Her bright yellow bag really ____ among all the black ones.
Choose one answer.
Stands out means easily noticed. Stands for means represents, stands up means rises, and stands by means supports or waits.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “stands out”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.