Outstanding

by Peter Saint-Andre

2009-04-04

I'll bet that the English word "outstanding" is confusing to non-native speakers, because it has two wildly divergent meanings:

  1. Much better than others. (Cf. superlative, excellent, exceptional, extraordinary, etc.)

  2. Not yet dealt with. (Cf. unfinished, remaining, incomplete, unpaid, etc.)

I think I'll avoid this word from now on. :)


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