stand out — be exceptional
phrasal verbC1IELTS 7+neutralcommon
To be clearly superior to others in quality, skill, or achievement, often used in evaluative or abstract contexts to highlight excellence or merit.
Say it like a native
Textbook Her performance was demonstrably superior to that of her peers.
Native Her performance really stood out.
'Stand out' is the natural verb for being clearly the best; the formal version is essay-like.
Pattern: stand out (as/for something)
In use
- Her dedication and creativity really make her stand out as one of the best designers in the company.evaluation
- Among all the candidates, Maria stood out as the most qualified due to her extensive research experience and strong academic record.IELTS speaking
Common mistake
✗ She stands out from the others students.
✓ She stands out from the other students.
'Stand out FROM' the others — and it's 'other students', not 'others students'.
Common collocations
stand out + excellence— from the crowd, as the best, a mile, in her field
Don't confuse it
Unlike the B1 sense ('be noticeable'), this sense focuses on being outstanding or superior, not just visible or different. It is evaluative, not literal.
Related
- stand out (be noticeable) — 'stand out' also has the more basic meaning 'be noticeable'; this is the advanced sense.