outlay
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈaʊtleɪ/
KK: /aʊtleɪ/
noun
Definition
An amount of money that is spent or used for a specific purpose, such as expenses or costs.
Example
The company's outlay for new equipment was higher than expected.
Conversation
Have you thought about your monthly outlay for groceries?
Yeah, it's been getting a bit high lately, hasn't it?
I know! I need to track my outlay better to avoid overspending.
Same here! Maybe we could share some budgeting tips.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
expense
cost
expenditure
Antonyms
income
revenue
savings
transitive verb
Definition
To spend or distribute money for a specific purpose.
Example
The company decided to outlay a significant amount for the new project.
Tense Forms
Past: outlaid
Past Participle: outlaid
Conversation
Have you thought about how much you're going to outlay for your new laptop?
Yeah, I'm planning to spend a bit more for better specs.
It makes sense to outlay a little extra if it lasts longer.
Root Explanation
Outlay → It is formed from "out-" (meaning outside or outward) and "lay" (from Old English "leah", meaning to place or put down). The word "outlay" refers to the act of placing or spending money outwardly or externally, typically for a specific purpose.
Memory Tip
Think of placing money 'out' ('out-') for a specific purpose, which is what outlay means.
Visually Confused Words
outplay
outsay
outray
outpay
outfly
outplayed