What does outlying mean?
Outlying is an adjective describing something that lies away from the main centre of a place, organization, or system. It is especially common in geographical and administrative contexts, as in “outlying areas,” “outlying villages,” and “outlying islands.” The word can convey simple physical distance, but it may also suggest isolation, limited access to services, or marginality within a larger organization. An outlying district might be officially connected to a city while still being remote from its core. In social or political usage, outlying groups can mean communities or people situated beyond the dominant centre of activity. Overall, outlying is a precise way to distinguish peripheral places or entities from the principal area, without necessarily implying that they lack importance.
adjectiveSituated away from the main centre, population, or area of activity; remote or peripheral.
- Situated away from a main centre or area of activity.
- Existing beyond or apart from the main body, group, or system.
"The village has remained largely untouched despite its status as an outlying area of the city."
"The outlying villages have limited access to public transport."
"Several outlying islands are administered by the national government."
Outlying turns the familiar idea of 'lying out' into a geographical metaphor for places beyond the heart of a community.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does outlying come from?
Outlying combines the prefix out- with the present participle of lie, literally suggesting something that lies outside a main area. The element out- comes from Old English ūt and ultimately relates to Latin ut, meaning away from or outside, while lie derives from Old English licgan. The compound reflects the older use of lying out, meaning to be situated apart from a centre.
How outlying is actually used
Usually used in geographic, administrative, or social contexts. It can be neutral or mildly negative, depending on whether remoteness is presented as advantageous or as a disadvantage.
Easily confused with outlying
Outlying describes something located away from a main centre, while outstanding describes something that is exceptionally good or still unresolved.