Origin: Germanic Old English prefix
Outlook has 5 different meanings across 1 category:
belief about (or mental picture of) the future
"Despite the current economic slump, her outlook remains incredibly optimistic for what lies ahead."
A place from which something can be viewed.
"The lighthouse keeper climbed to the highest point on the cliff for a better outlook over the churning ocean."
In plain English: Outlook is your general idea about what the future holds or how you feel about something.
"Her positive outlook helped her get through the difficult time easily."
Usage: Use "outlook" to refer to a physical vantage point or view from a specific location, such as a scenic overlook on a mountain road. Do not use it interchangeably with "viewpoint," which describes an opinion or perspective on an issue.
To face or look in an outward direction.
"The pilot adjusted the plane's nose to ensure the cockpit had a clear view of the runway ahead."
In plain English: To look forward to something with hope or expectation.
"I will outlook our team's performance for the upcoming quarter."
Usage: As a verb, outlook means to direct your gaze toward something outside, such as when you stand at a window to look out at the scenery. This usage is rare in modern conversation and is often confused with the noun form meaning a person's perspective or future expectations.
The word outlook is formed by combining the prefix out- with the verb look to mean a view from outside or a perspective on things ahead. It entered English as a straightforward compound of these two familiar elements without any major shift in its core meaning over time.