The two-word phrasal verb "price out" is commonly used to indicate the act of making something too expensive for most people to afford. The IPA phonetic transcription for "price out" is /praɪs aʊt/. The first syllable "pr-" is pronounced like the word "pry," while the second syllable "-ice" sounds like the word "ice." The final syllable "-out" is pronounced like the word "out." Remember to use this phrasal verb carefully in your writing to avoid any confusion or misunderstanding.
The phrase "price out" refers to a situation where the cost of a particular item, service, or experience becomes prohibitively expensive, making it difficult or impossible for someone to afford or access it. When an item is priced out, its price has risen to the point of exceeding what the individual or market is willing or able to pay.
The term is commonly used in various contexts, including real estate, retail, travel, and leisure industries. For instance, in the real estate market, a rising demand for housing may cause prices to surge, ultimately pricing out many potential buyers who can no longer afford the skyrocketing costs. Similarly, in retail, certain luxury brands or high-end products may be priced out for consumers with lower incomes.
Notably, "price out" can also extend beyond tangible goods and encompass services, such as healthcare or education. In these instances, increasing costs can bar individuals from accessing necessary medical treatments or quality education due to financial constraints.
Overall, the concept of "price out" revolves around the idea of affordability, highlighting cases where the cost of an item or service has become excessively high. It signifies a situation where individuals or groups are excluded or have limited access due to financial constraints, reflecting the intersection of price, demand, and accessibility in various markets.
The etymology of the phrase "price out" can be understood by analyzing the origins and meanings of its individual components.
1. Price: The term "price" dates back to the 13th century and has its roots in the Old French word "pris", meaning "prize" or "value". This word originated from the Latin word "pretium", which also meant "price" or "value".
2. Out: In this context, "out" is used as a preposition meaning "outside" or "beyond". It has Old English origins and can be traced back to the Germanic word "ūt".
When combined, "price out" refers to the act of determining or calculating the cost or value of something outside of a particular range or budget. It commonly denotes the process of finding the total price of items or services that are beyond one's financial means.