Definition of start out

The expression "start out" originated in the early 1800s in the English language, primarily in the United States. It is a phrasal verb consisting of the verb "start" and the preposition "out." Initially, "start out" referred to initiating a journey or starting a venture from a specific location, which was often indicated by the preposition "out," implying an exit or departure. For instance, in the 1820s, one might say, "I'm starting out for New York today," implying that they were leaving their current location and embarking on a journey to New York City. Over time, the use of "start out" evolved to include a broader sense of commencing a new endeavor or experience in general, rather than just a physical journey. It became popularly used in contexts such as launching a new business, starting a new school, or commencing a new relationship. The phrase's popularity rose in the 1950s and 1960s as the American economy expanded, and entrepreneurial start-ups became increasingly common. The verb "start" alone, meaning initiate or begin, became insufficient to convey the full meaning of embarking on a new enterprise. Consequently, "start out" became a more detailed and nuanced phrase to capture the idea of beginning from the very start of a new endeavor. In summary, the expression "start out" originated as a more specific variant of the verb "start" in the early 1800s primarily in the United States, evolving to encompass a broader meaning of commencing a new experience, particularly in the context of entrepreneurship, as the American economy expanded in the mid-20th century.