outset

The beginning of an activity, event, or period.

• The rules were clear from the outset.
• At the outset, nobody expected trouble.
• She supported the plan from the outset.

How to use it: at/from the outset of something (We agreed on a budget at the outset of the project.)

Similar words: beginning, start

Opposites: end

Common phrases: at the outset, from the outset, outset of something

To make a design feature extend beyond the outside edge of another feature.

• Outset the outline around the shape.
• The designer outset the frame by two millimeters.
• Can you outset this border slightly?

How to use it: outset something by an amount (Outset the border by three pixels.)

Opposites: inset

Common phrases: outset a border, outset an outline, outset the frame