outlook
Outlook (noun) means a person's general attitude or view of life and the future. Example: “She has a very positive outlook despite everything she's been through.”
How to use outlook
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishHow someone views life, or a forecast of what's likely to happen next.
Word forms
outlooked past tense, outlooks plural, outlooks singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She has a very positive _____ despite everything she's been through.
Etymology
Built from out- + look — literally "a looking out," originally a place from which one could watch for danger or view the surroundings.
Related words
Rhymes for outlook
See all rhymes for outlook →Frequently asked questions
What does “outlook” mean?
The word “outlook” means a person's general attitude or view of life and the future. In plain terms, how someone views life, or a forecast of what's likely to happen next.
How do you pronounce “outlook”?
“Outlook” is pronounced OWT-luuk (/ˈaʊtˌlʊk/ in IPA).
How do you use “outlook” in a sentence?
Here is “outlook” used in a sentence: “She has a very positive outlook despite everything she's been through.”
What part of speech is “outlook”?
“Outlook” is a noun.
Is “outlook” a common word?
“Outlook” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “outlook” have?
“Outlook” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a person's general attitude or view of life and the future.
What is the difference between outlook and perspective?
An outlook is a person's general attitude to life or expectation about the future, as in 'a cheerful outlook.' A perspective is a particular way of viewing something, shaped by position or experience, as in 'from a teacher's perspective.' Outlook leans toward the future; perspective leans toward a vantage point.
What is the difference between an outlook and a forecast?
A forecast is a specific prediction, often built from data — a weather forecast gives expected conditions for particular days. An outlook is broader and more general, describing the overall direction something is likely to take, as in 'the outlook for the industry is positive.' In weather reporting, an outlook usually covers a longer, less certain period than a forecast.
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