Outgoing Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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outgoing

[ˈaʊtˌɡoʊɪŋ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

personality trait

Friendly and sociable; extroverted.

Synonyms

extroverted, friendly, sociable.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
outgoing	Best used to describe someone who is approachable and enjoys interacting with others. Often used in social or professional contexts where being open and communicative is valued. She has an outgoing personality and makes friends easily. John's outgoing nature makes him a great fit for a sales position.
friendly	Describes someone who is kind, pleasant, and easy to talk to. Suitable for informal settings and general descriptions of someone's demeanor. The new neighbor is very friendly and always greets everyone with a smile. We need a friendly receptionist to make a great first impression on our clients.
sociable	Used to describe someone who enjoys spending time with others and is skilled at making conversation. Often used in contexts emphasizing social gatherings or events. Samantha is a sociable person who frequently hosts dinner parties. His sociable nature makes him very popular among his peers.
extroverted	Refers to someone who gains energy from being around other people. Typically used in psychological or personality discussions. As an extroverted person, Lisa loves attending parties and meeting new people. The seminar was particularly enjoyable for extroverted individuals who thrive on social interaction.

Examples of usage

She is known for her outgoing personality at work.
He has always been very outgoing and never shy in social situations.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

communication

An outgoing message or communication.

Synonyms

departing, outbound, sent.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
outgoing	Use to describe someone who is very friendly and likes to meet and talk to new people or to describe emails, messages, or calls being sent out from a place. She has an outgoing personality and makes friends everywhere she goes. The outgoing mail is picked up at 5 PM.
outbound	Typically used to describe transportation like flights, trains, or buses that are leaving a place, focusing on the direction of travel. The outbound train to New York leaves at 6 PM. He boarded the outbound flight to Tokyo.
sent	Used when referring to messages, emails, letters, or packages that have been dispatched or delivered. I sent the package yesterday. She sent an email with the details.
departing	Refers to someone or something that is leaving a place, often used in the context of travel or formal events. The flight is departing from gate 10. He gave a speech before departing from the company.

Examples of usage

Please leave an outgoing message after the beep.
The email system automatically saves a copy of all outgoing messages.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

Outgoing individuals are often classified as extroverts, showing a preference for social interactions and group activities.
Research suggests that being outgoing can lead to greater happiness and stronger social connections over time.
Extroversion is one of the five major personality traits in psychology, often linked to positive emotional experiences.

Cultural Perspectives

In many cultures, being outgoing is celebrated, as social bonds are key to community life and collective celebrations.
Some cultures value introversion more, viewing quietness and reflection as strengths, in contrast to an outgoing nature.
Festivals and social gatherings around the world often encourage outgoing behavior, where people share stories, music, and food.

Education

In collaborative learning environments, outgoing students often take on leadership roles, facilitating group activities and discussions.
Studies show that outgoing students can positively influence their peers, fostering a more engaging classroom atmosphere.
Extracurricular activities, such as sports and theater, frequently attract outgoing individuals, promoting teamwork and creativity.

Pop Culture

Many popular TV shows feature outgoing characters who drive the plot with their vibrant personalities and adventurous spirits.
Movies often portray extroverted figures as the life of the party, having a more thrilling social life than their introverted counterparts.
Social media platforms reward outgoing behaviors, encouraging users to share experiences and connect with others in lively ways.

Sociology

The ability to be outgoing can be influenced by one’s environment, including family, upbringing, and cultural expectations.
Sociologists study the impact of outgoing behavior on networking and career success, recognizing its importance in professional settings.
In urban societies, being outgoing is often associated with success in job markets that emphasize personal relationships and communication.

Origin of 'outgoing'

The word 'outgoing' originated from the combination of 'out' and 'going', with the earliest recorded usage dating back to the mid-16th century. It has evolved to encompass both personality traits and communication terminology, reflecting a positive and proactive approach.

See also: forego, forgo, go, goad, gofer, going, gone, goon, ongoing, undergo.