Outperform

Part of speech: verb

Pronunciation: /ˌaʊt.pɚˈfɔɹm/

Definitions

1. To surpass in terms of success or effectiveness when measured against a competitor or standard of performance
2. To achieve a level of performance that is superior to that of others or established benchmarks
3. To achieve results that are better than those of others or prevailing standards

Etymology: "Outperform" is a plain formation: the prefix "out-" attached to "perform." The prefix descends from Old English "ūt," meaning "out," itself traceable back to the same Proto-Indo-European root that gave Germanic languages their word for the outward direction, and "perform" came into English from Old French "parfournir," meaning "to complete or carry through." The joining of "out" to a verb was a productive English habit. Speakers could attach "out-" to nearly any action to mean doing it more, better, or further than someone else, as in "outrun," "outlive," and "outwit." "Outperform" follows this pattern, so its meaning is almost exactly the sum of its parts: to perform beyond another person or thing, usually in a contest or comparison.

Synonyms: exceed, surpass, outdo, excel, trump

Antonyms: fail, underperform, fall behind, lose to, lag