Outwears

Part of speech: verb

Definitions

1. To exist longer than something else; to endure or survive beyond a specified time period; to outlast in usage or relevance over a given duration
2. To surpass in longevity or duration compared to another; to remain in existence while something else diminishes; to continue to be useful or applicable longer than a counterpart
3. To have a greater lifespan than someone or something; to last longer in presence or function relative to another; to prevail in time while another fades or becomes obsolete

Etymology: "Outwears" is the third-person singular form of "outwear," a verb built from "out" and "wear." The "wear" half traces back through Old English "werian" and Proto-Germanic "wazjaną," a word meaning to put on clothing or to endure. The "out" half comes from Old English "ūt," meaning outward or beyond, so the compound sense is roughly to last longer than something else by enduring past it. The verb's meaning follows the logic of its parts. To outwear something is to keep going after it has begun to fail, the way a sturdy coat can outlast its cheaper rival or an idea can remain useful long after its competitors have faded. The prefix carries the idea of going beyond a limit, and "wear" supplies the sense of gradual use and erosion, so the whole word describes endurance measured against decline.

Synonyms: surpasses