Outclassing

Part of speech: verb

Definitions

1. To achieve a level of excellence that is markedly above others in terms of skill, quality, or performance
2. Exceeding others in ability or quality by a significant margin
3. Performing or achieving far beyond the level of competitors

Etymology: "Outclassing" is the present participle of "outclass," a verb built from the prefix "out-" and the noun "class." The prefix is an old English word meaning "out" or "outside," which has been used since Old English to form verbs meaning "to surpass" or "to exceed," such as "outrun" and "outdo." The base word "class" came into English from Middle French "classe," which in turn came from Latin "classis," a term originally used for a division of the Roman people or a fleet of ships. Put together, the verb means to surpass others so thoroughly that they are placed in a lower rank. The sporting and competitive sense of "class" as a grade or level of quality is the link that makes "outclass" natural: a competitor who outclasses others is, in effect, operating in a higher division than them. The Latin origin of "classis" as a division of citizens explains why ranking and categorisation sit at the heart of the meaning.

Synonyms: surpassing, outdoing, exceeding, outperforming, overcoming