Definition of go out

The phrase "go out" has its origins in Old English, specifically the verb "utgāan," which literally translates to "go out." As the language evolved, the spelling and pronunciation of the word changed, and in Middle English, it became "outen" or "uten." By the Early Modern English period, "go out" had become the commonly used phrase, having replaced the now obsolete "ga out" or "gooth out." The meaning of "go out" has remained relatively consistent over time, though it has evolved somewhat in context. In Old English, "utgāan" could refer to a physical departure from a place, as well as the departure of natural phenomena, such as the sun or moon. In Middle English, "outen" was often used to indicate the elimination of bodily functions or the extinguishing of a light or fire. By the Early Modern English period, "go out" had acquired a more general sense of departure, as well as the meaning of closing or shutting something off, such as a door or window. Overall, the phrase "go out" has endured as a simple and versatile expression for leaving a place, terminating an activity or event, or withdrawing from a situation, displaying its centuries-long linguistic longevity.