How Do You Spell OUTWORK?

Pronunciation: [a͡ʊtwˈɜːk] (IPA)

The word "outwork" is spelled with the letter combination "ou" instead of the usual "o" because it is a compound word made up of "out" and "work". This combination represents the sound /aʊ/, as in "house" or "loud". The word itself means to surpass or exceed in work or production. So, if you want to outwork your competition, make sure you're spelling the word correctly with the "ou" combination representing the /aʊ/ sound.

OUTWORK Meaning and Definition

  1. Outwork can be used as a noun or a verb, with slightly different meanings. As a verb, outwork refers to the act of working harder or more diligently than others to surpass or excel. It entails putting in more effort, often with the intention of achieving a particular goal, surpassing expectations, or outperforming competitors. When someone outworks their colleagues, they exhibit determination, perseverance, and a strong work ethic, dedicating more time and energy to accomplish their tasks.

    As a noun, outwork refers to a defensive structure or fortification that is situated outside the main walls of a fortress or a defensive line, designed to enhance the overall protection and security of the main stronghold. Outworks can take the form of additional walls, trenches, or intricate systems of fortifications, surrounding and fortifying the primary structure. They are strategically positioned to deter and repel potential attackers, providing an additional layer of defense.

    In summary, outwork as a verb denotes working harder or more resolutely than others, aiming to surpass expectations or achieve specific goals. As a noun, outwork represents an auxiliary fortification or defensive structure positioned outside the main walls of a fortress, serving to enhance the overall protection and security of the stronghold.

  2. Work of defence at some distance from a fortress.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for OUTWORK

Etymology of OUTWORK

The word "outwork" has two different etymological origins, depending on its usage.

1. Outwork (noun, referring to a subordinate defensive work): The word comes from Middle English "outwerk", which was formed by combining the prefix "out-" (meaning "beyond" or "outside") with the noun "werk" (meaning "work"). It originated from Old English "ūtweorc", where "ūt" meant "out" or "outside".

2. Outwork (verb, referring to working harder or surpassing in work): This usage of the word comes from combining the prefix "out-" (indicating "beyond" or "more") with the noun "work". The verb form "outwork" emerged in the 17th century.

It's important to note that these two usages have distinct etymological backgrounds.

Plural form of OUTWORK is OUTWORKS

Conjugate verb Outwork

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

I would have outworked
you would have outworked
he/she/it would have outworked
we would have outworked
they would have outworked
I would have outwork
you would have outwork
he/she/it would have outwork
we would have outwork
they would have outwork

CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE

I would have been outworking
you would have been outworking
he/she/it would have been outworking
we would have been outworking
they would have been outworking

CONDITIONAL PRESENT

I would outwork
you would outwork
he/she/it would outwork
we would outwork
they would outwork

CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE

I would be outworking
you would be outworking
he/she/it would be outworking
we would be outworking
they would be outworking

FUTURE

I will outwork
you will outwork
he/she/it will outwork
we will outwork
they will outwork

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

I will be outworking
you will be outworking
he/she/it will be outworking
we will be outworking
they will be outworking

FUTURE PERFECT

I will have outworked
you will have outworked
he/she/it will have outworked
we will have outworked
they will have outworked

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I will have been outworking
you will have been outworking
he/she/it will have been outworking
we will have been outworking
they will have been outworking

IMPERATIVE

you outwork
we let´s outwork

NONFINITE VERB FORMS

to outwork

PAST CONTINUOUS

I was outworking
you were outworking
he/she/it was outworking
we were outworking
they were outworking

PAST PARTICIPLE

outworked

PAST PERFECT

I had outworked
you had outworked
he/she/it had outworked
we had outworked
they had outworked

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I had been outworking
you had been outworking
he/she/it had been outworking
we had been outworking
they had been outworking

PRESENT

I outwork
you outwork
he/she/it outworks
we outwork
they outwork

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

I am outworking
you are outworking
he/she/it is outworking
we are outworking
they are outworking

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

outworking

PRESENT PERFECT

I have outworked
you have outworked
he/she/it has outworked
we have outworked
they have outworked

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I have been outworking
you have been outworking
he/she/it has been outworking
we have been outworking
they have been outworking

PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE

he/she/it outwork

SIMPLE PAST

I outworked
you outworked
he/she/it outworked
we outworked
they outworked

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