outlay
UK: ˈaʊtleɪ | US: ˈaʊtleɪ
n. an amount of money spent for a particular purpose, especially as an initial investment
vt. to expend or allocate money for a specific purpose
outlay = out<external> + lay<to place>
- out: From Old English ūt, meaning "external" or "away."
- lay: From Old English lecgan, meaning "to place" or "to set down."
Etymology Origin:
The word outlay emerged in Middle English as a combination of out (suggesting external expenditure) and lay (implying the act of placing or allocating resources). Originally, it referred to the act of spending money outwardly, often for investments or projects. Over time, it evolved into a noun denoting the sum of money spent. The logic reflects a straightforward metaphor: "placing out" resources into the world.
The initial outlay for the startup was substantial but necessary.
They outlaid a large sum to modernize the factory.
The project requires minimal outlay but promises high returns.
Calculating the outlay helps in budgeting effectively.
The government outlaid funds to improve public infrastructure.