Outdo

Part of speech: verb

Pronunciation: /aʊtˈdu/

Definitions

1. To achieve a level of success or performance that is greater than another individual or group, often reflecting superior capabilities or effort
2. To excel in comparison to another when accomplishing a task, indicating a notable difference in skill or outcomes
3. To perform better than someone else by exceeding their level of success or skill

Etymology: "Outdo" is a plain compound: the prefix "out-" joined to the verb "do." The prefix comes from Old English "ūt," meaning "out" or "outside," and it has been attached to verbs since Old English times to signal surpassing or exceeding. "Do" traces back through Old English "dōn" to a Proto-Germanic root, and it has meant "perform" or "carry out" for as long as English has existed. Put together, "outdo" means to do something more thoroughly or more successfully than someone else. The pattern is the same as "outrun," "outlast," and "outshine," where "out-" adds the sense of going beyond a rival. The construction is transparent, so the word's meaning has changed very little from its components.

Synonyms: surpass, exceed, outshine, outperform, trounce

Antonyms: fail, lose, underperform, be beaten, fall behind