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Definition of outlying

outlying

/ˈaʊtˌlaɪ.ɪŋ/
out · ly · ing
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outlying Lexical Profile

outlying Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Situated far from a center, main body, or core area; remote or peripheral.

Example

"Public transit was recently expanded to connect the city center with several outlying towns."

2

Differing markedly from the main group of observations or data points in a statistical sample.

Example

"The researcher removed two outlying data points that had been caused by a sensor malfunction."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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Word Nuance & Usage

As an adjective, 'outlying' is used almost exclusively in the attributive position before a noun (e.g., 'outlying villages') rather than after a linking verb.

• Nearby Words

outliner
outlive
outlook
outlying
outmaneuver
outmatch
outmoded

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the 14th century from the prefix 'out-' combined with the present participle of the Old English verb 'licgan' (to lie or be situated).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Outlying. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/outlying
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