Bested - Definition, Meaning, and Examples in English

Definition

^{Context #1 | Verb}

competition outcome

The term 'bested' is the simple past tense of the verb 'best,' meaning to defeat someone by a greater effort or skill. It is often used in contexts involving contests or competitive situations, where one individual or team surpasses another. The word carries a connotation of excellence or superiority in achieving victory. In historical contexts, it can also refer to past instances of overcoming challenges or adversaries.

Synonyms

defeated, outclassed, outperformed, surpassed.

Examples of usage

She bested her competitors in the finals.
He finally bested his old rival.
They were bested in a close game.
The underdog bested the reigning champion.

Interesting Facts

Cultural References

In literature and film, characters often 'best' their rivals, showcasing themes of courage and perseverance.
Sports culture is filled with examples of athletes who have 'bested' their opponents, reinforcing the idea of competition and achievement.
In board games, players strive to 'best' each other, making social gatherings around games a celebration of triumph and strategy.

Psychology

Feeling that you have 'bested' someone can boost self-esteem and confidence, reinforcing a sense of accomplishment.
The competition involved in 'bested' scenarios often drives people to improve their skills and push their limits.
In healthy competitions, the drive to 'best' others can foster teamwork and camaraderie when focused on mutual improvement.

Literature

Characters in classic literature often engage in duels or contests where they seek to 'best' their foes, reflecting human nature’s competitive spirit.
In Shakespeare's works, many characters strive to 'best' others, revealing deeper themes of rivalry and ambition.
Modern novels frequently depict protagonists facing challenges where they must 'best' overwhelming odds to succeed.

Sports

Athletes often train specifically to 'best' their previous performances, demonstrating the value of personal bests over simply winning against others.
In chess, players aim to 'best' their opponents through strategy and intelligence, where victory is not just about being faster but smarter.
Records in sports are often eclipsed when new athletes emerge and 'best' previous champions, marking the evolution of the sport.

Origin of 'bested'

Main points about word origin

The word 'bested' comes from 'best,' which is derived from the Old English 'betst,' indicating superior quality or performance.
Bested has been used since the 14th century to describe achieving victory over someone in various contexts.
The transformation from 'best' to 'bested' is an example of how English turned an adjective into a verb to express action.

The word 'bested' originates from the Old English term 'best,' which comes from the Proto-Germanic root '*batizo,' meaning 'good' or 'better.' Over time, the word evolved in usage, particularly within the context of competition, to denote a state of superiority or victory over another. The transformation from the adjective form to a verb allowed for dynamic expressions of rivalry and achievement. 'Bested' has been used in various literatures throughout the centuries and is often featured in tales of personal triumph and contests of skill. The transition from its earlier constructions to modern usage illustrates the evolving nature of language and societal values regarding competition and excellence.

Bested Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations