How Do You Spell OUTFLANK?

Pronunciation: [a͡ʊtflˈaŋk] (IPA)

Outflank is a verb that means to get around an opponent's flank in a military context or to surpass or exceed in business or any other endeavor. Its pronunciation is /aʊtˈflæŋk/, which can be broken down into two syllables: "out" pronounced as /aʊt/ and "flank" pronounced as /flæŋk/. The stress is placed on the first syllable "out." The spelling of outflank follows the typical English spelling pattern with "ou" representing the diphthong /aʊ/ and "a" representing the short /æ/ sound.

OUTFLANK Meaning and Definition

  1. Outflank is a verb that refers to the strategic maneuver of surpassing or enveloping an opponent's flank in military operations. When a military force outflanks its enemy, it moves swiftly and effectively around the side or rear of the opposing force, creating a tactical advantage by positioning itself in a more favorable position. This maneuver is commonly applied to encircle the enemy, cutting off their lines of communication or escape routes.

    Metaphorically, the term outflank can also be used in non-military contexts to describe gaining an advantage or taking a different approach that allows someone to surpass or surpassing their opponent or competition. For instance, in a business setting, a company might outflank its competitors by introducing a new product or service that fulfills a market demand not yet addressed, securing a larger customer base. This figurative usage implies outsmarting or circumventing a competitor's tactics or strategies to gain a more advantageous position.

    In summary, outflank is a term that primarily pertains to military operations, describing a tactical maneuver involving surpassing or enveloping the side or rear of an enemy. However, it is also commonly used metaphorically to denote surpassing or outmaneuvering a competitor or opponent in non-military situations.

  2. To extend a line of battle beyond that of another.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for OUTFLANK

Etymology of OUTFLANK

The word "outflank" originated from late 16th century English and has a combination of two distinct root words: "out" and "flank".

The term "out" comes from Old English "ūt", which means "outside" or "away from the center". It has roots in Germanic and Indo-European languages.

The word "flank" comes from the Old French word "flanche", which means "side". "Flanche" can be traced back to the Late Latin word "flancus", meaning "side" or "flank".

When these two words combine, "out" refers to moving outside or beyond something, and "flank" refers to the side of an object or formation. The compound word "outflank" thus means "to surpass or encircle the enemy by moving beyond or around their side". It is most commonly used in military contexts to describe a tactical maneuver.

Similar spelling words for OUTFLANK

Conjugate verb Outflank

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

I would have outflanked
you would have outflanked
he/she/it would have outflanked
we would have outflanked
they would have outflanked
I would have outflank
you would have outflank
he/she/it would have outflank
we would have outflank
they would have outflank

CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE

I would have been outflanking
you would have been outflanking
he/she/it would have been outflanking
we would have been outflanking
they would have been outflanking

CONDITIONAL PRESENT

I would outflank
you would outflank
he/she/it would outflank
we would outflank
they would outflank

CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE

I would be outflanking
you would be outflanking
he/she/it would be outflanking
we would be outflanking
they would be outflanking

FUTURE

I will outflank
you will outflank
he/she/it will outflank
we will outflank
they will outflank

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

I will be outflanking
you will be outflanking
he/she/it will be outflanking
we will be outflanking
they will be outflanking

FUTURE PERFECT

I will have outflanked
you will have outflanked
he/she/it will have outflanked
we will have outflanked
they will have outflanked

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I will have been outflanking
you will have been outflanking
he/she/it will have been outflanking
we will have been outflanking
they will have been outflanking

IMPERATIVE

you outflank
we let´s outflank

NONFINITE VERB FORMS

to outflank

PAST CONTINUOUS

I was outflanking
you were outflanking
he/she/it was outflanking
we were outflanking
they were outflanking

PAST PARTICIPLE

outflanked

PAST PERFECT

I had outflanked
you had outflanked
he/she/it had outflanked
we had outflanked
they had outflanked

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I had been outflanking
you had been outflanking
he/she/it had been outflanking
we had been outflanking
they had been outflanking

PRESENT

I outflank
you outflank
he/she/it outflanks
we outflank
they outflank

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

I am outflanking
you are outflanking
he/she/it is outflanking
we are outflanking
they are outflanking

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

outflanking

PRESENT PERFECT

I have outflanked
you have outflanked
he/she/it has outflanked
we have outflanked
they have outflanked

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I have been outflanking
you have been outflanking
he/she/it has been outflanking
we have been outflanking
they have been outflanking

PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE

he/she/it outflank

SIMPLE PAST

I outflanked
you outflanked
he/she/it outflanked
we outflanked
they outflanked

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