outlook

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   A place from which something can be viewed.

   Perched on the edge of the cliff was a hidden outlook.

2. 2
   noun

   The view from such a place.

   Fully air-conditioned and fluorescently lit, it is strikingly decorated and there is a magnificent outlook through the wide windows.

3. 3
   noun

   An attitude or point of view.

   He has a positive outlook on life.

4. 4
   noun

   Expectation for the future.

   The outlook for temperature rises is worrying.

5. 5
   verb

   To face or look in an outward direction.

   This old man with the ſythe, olde father Tyme they call, / And hir his daughter Trueth, which holdeth yonder Booke, / Whome he out of his rocke hath brought forth to vs all, / From whence this many yeares ſhe durſt not once out looke.

6. 6
   verb

   To look at (someone) so long or intently that they look away; to win or prevail over (someone or something).

   [...] I drew this gallant head of war, And cull’d these fiery spirits from the world, To outlook conquest and to win renown Even in the jaws of danger and of death.

7. 7
   verb

   To be more attractive than (someone or something).

   1731, Mary Delany, letter dated 4 October, 1731, in George Paston (ed.), Mrs. Delany (Mary Granville): A Memoir, 1700-1788, London: Grant Richards, 1900, p. 64, Nobody’s equipage outlooked ours except my Lord Lieutenant’s, but in every respect I must say Mrs. Clayton outshines her neighbours …

8. 8
   verb

   To inspect throughly; to select.

   1689, Charles Cotton, “The Angler’s Ballad” in Poems on Several Occasions, London: Thomas Bassett et al., p. 76, Away to the Brook, All your Tackle out look, Here’s a day that is worth a year’s wishing; See that all things be right, For ’tis a very spight To want tools when a man goes a fishing.

Etymology

From out + look. Perhaps influenced by Chinese 外表 (literally “outside + surface”) and English look (“appearance”). Same etymology as Cantonese outlook.