output

Pronunciation: /ˈaʊtpʊt/

noun

Difficulty: common

Definition of output

The amount or result of something produced, typically as the consequence of a process or activity, often measured in terms of efficiency or impact.

Origin of output

Language of origin: English

Root word: out + put

Original meaning: 'Out' meaning external or outward, and 'put' meaning to place or set forth.

How it evolved: Initially used to describe physical production in industrial contexts, it evolved to include abstract and intellectual results across various fields.

Derived from the combination of 'out' and 'put,' reflecting the act of 'putting out' or producing results.

First known use: 14th century

How to Remember output

Think of a computer: 'output' is what comes OUT of the system after you INPUT data—products, results, or information!

Synonyms for output

  • production
  • yield
  • result
  • efficiency
  • deliverable
  • creation
  • outputted material
  • generation

Antonyms of output

output in a Sentence

  1. The factory's output increased by 20 percent after the implementation of advanced machinery, showcasing remarkable efficiency gains.
  2. In her research paper, she analyzed the output of renewable energy sources in urban environments to assess their feasibility for large-scale adoption.
  3. The artistic output of the poet during the Romantic era remains unparalleled, blending emotional depth with technical mastery.

output in Literature & Culture

The term 'output' frequently appears in technical, scientific, and economic texts, as well as in discussions of creative industries, reflecting its adaptability across disciplines.

Usage Notes

Output is often contrasted with input in discussions of efficiency, productivity, or systems. Be careful not to confuse 'output' with 'outcome,' which often emphasizes final effects or consequences rather than production levels.

Why output Matters for GRE & SAT

Output is a high-frequency word on the GRE due to its relevance in analytical writing and reading comprehension, particularly in discussions about systems, processes, and productivity.

Word Family

outputted (verb)
To produce or deliver something, typically in a measurable form.
input (noun)
Anything that is put into a system or process to achieve an output.
outproduce (verb)
To produce more or at a faster rate than another entity.

Did You Know?

  • In computer science, 'output' refers to the data produced by a computer program, making it a foundational concept in technology.
  • The word 'output' gained prominence during the Industrial Revolution as factories began measuring their efficiency and productivity.
  • Artists and writers often use 'output' to describe their creative works, linking it metaphorically to industrial or intellectual productivity.

More Vocabulary Words Starting with O

  • obdurate — stubborn; unyielding
  • obdurate — stubborn; unyielding
  • obeisance — reverence for an individual
  • obeisance — reverence for an individual
  • obfuscate — obscure or confuse
  • obfuscate — obscure or confuse
  • objective — Not influenced by personal feelings; based on facts
  • objective — A thing aimed at or sought; not influenced by personal feelings
  • objective — Not influenced by personal feelings or opinions; impartial
  • objective — Not influenced by personal feelings; based on facts