"At the outside" is a phrase used to indicate the maximum limit of something. The spelling of the word 'at' is /æt/ in IPA phonetic transcription, and 'the' is /ðə/. However, the spelling of 'outside' can be tricky. It's pronounced as /aʊtˈsaɪd/ in IPA, where the first syllable is pronounced like the word 'out' and the second syllable is pronounced like the word 'side'. The 'e' at the end, although not pronounced, is added to indicate the long 'i' sound in the second syllable.
The phrase "at the outside" is an idiom typically used to indicate the maximum or outer limit of a given range or estimate. It implies that the mentioned quantity or timeframe is the highest possible or farthest extent of a particular parameter.
For instance, if someone is asked how long a specific task will take, they might respond with "two hours at the outside," suggesting that the task should be completed within two hours, but the process might conclude sooner. In this context, "at the outside" emphasizes that the time required will not exceed two hours.
Similarly, "at the outside" can refer to a maximum age, size, price, or any range-bound value. For instance, if discussing the potential cost of a new appliance, one may say, "It'll cost $500 at the outside," conveying that the price will not exceed $500.
The phrase is often used to provide an upper limit or a conservative estimate rather than a precise figure. It emphasizes that the mentioned value is unlikely to be surpassed and serves as a way to manage expectations by setting a definite boundary. "At the outside" helps in defining a threshold, allowing individuals to understand the outermost limit of a given parameter or range.