Outstriding

Part of speech: verb

Definitions

1. To exceed in speed or progress while taking longer strides
2. To move ahead of others by lengthening the pace or steps taken
3. Taking steps that are longer than normal when moving on foot ; advancing beyond others in speed or achievement

Etymology: "Outstriding" is the present participle of "outstride," a verb built from the prefix "out-" and the verb "stride." The base word "stride" goes back to Old English "strīdan," meaning to straddle or stride, and the prefix "out-" adds the sense of going beyond or surpassing others. Together the verb describes a walker or runner who pulls ahead of the rest of the pack. The construction is plain and transparent: the prefix works the same way in "outrun," "outlast," and "outgrow," each taking a familiar action and extending it past a rival or limit. Nothing about the formation is unusual, so the word's interest lies less in a surprising origin than in how neatly English combines its parts.