Outclass: meaning, definitions and examples

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outclass

 

[aʊtˈklɑːs ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

in competition

To surpass someone or something in a competitive situation, especially in terms of skill, performance, or quality.

Synonyms

excel, outdo, outperform, outshine, surpass.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
outclass

Usually used when comparing two entities where one is clearly superior to the other in terms of quality, performance, or characteristics.

  • The soccer team outclassed their opponents with their superior skills and strategy
outdo

Implies a sense of competition where one person or entity performs better than another. Can be used positively or neutrally.

  • He always tries to outdo his colleagues by working extra hours
outperform

Often used in formal or business contexts to compare performance metrics, showing that one is better than another.

  • Our company managed to outperform our main competitor this year in terms of sales
surpass

To exceed expectations or standards, often used in more formal or literary contexts.

  • His achievements have surpassed all our expectations
excel

Used to describe someone or something that performs at a very high level, often in a specific area or task.

  • She excels at mathematics, always scoring top marks in her exams
outshine

Used to describe someone or something that is more impressive or attractive than others, often in a more personal or subjective context.

  • At the party, her dress and confidence made her outshine everyone else

Examples of usage

  • He outclassed his opponent with his speed and agility.
  • The new smartphone outclasses all its competitors in terms of camera quality.
  • She outclassed the other singers with her powerful voice.
Context #2 | Verb

in appearance

To surpass someone in terms of elegance, style, or sophistication.

Synonyms

excel, outdo, outmatch, outshine, surpass.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
outclass

Used when someone or something is far superior to the competition, typically in a noticeable way.

  • The soccer team outclassed their opponents in every aspect of the game.
  • Her performance outclassed all her peers, making her the clear winner.
outshine

Used when someone or something is noticeably better or more impressive than others, often implying a sense of brilliance or radiance.

  • Her talent on stage outshines everyone else in the troupe.
  • The new product outshines all its predecessors with innovative features.
outdo

Used when someone does something better than another person, typically in a competitive situation.

  • He always tries to outdo his older brother in sports.
  • The company managed to outdo its competitors by offering better customer service.
surpass

Used when someone exceeds expectations or standards, going beyond what was previously achieved.

  • She managed to surpass all her goals for the year.
  • His recent work has surpassed all his previous achievements.
excel

Used when someone performs exceptionally well, often in a specific area or skill.

  • She excels in mathematics, consistently scoring top marks.
  • The employee has excelled in customer service, earning multiple awards.
outmatch

Used when someone or something is clearly superior in a competitive scenario, often implying an unbalanced competition.

  • The champion was clearly outmatched by the new contender.
  • Their team outmatched us in every game this season.

Examples of usage

  • She outclassed everyone at the party with her stunning dress.
  • The luxurious restaurant outclasses all others in the city.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'outclass' combines 'out-', meaning beyond, and 'class', referring to a group of similar things or people.
  • It originated in the early 20th century, reflecting an increasing emphasis on competition and standards of excellence.
  • The term is often used in contexts like sports or academics to express superiority.

Psychology

  • Outclassing can lead to a boost in self-esteem for the one who excels, reinforcing the importance of competence in social settings.
  • Research shows that being outclassed can create feelings of motivation in some individuals, driving them to improve.
  • A constant feeling of being outclassed by others may lead to stress or anxiety, highlighting the need for healthy competition.

Sports

  • In sports, outclassing opponents is often a key indicator of skill level and can influence rankings and opportunities.
  • Famous athletes are often described as having outclassed their competition during crucial games or matches.
  • The concept of 'outclassing' is used in discussions about talent versus hard work, illustrating how different factors contribute to success.

Pop Culture

  • Movies often depict characters who outclass their rivals, such as in competitions, showcases, or battles for leadership.
  • Outclassing is a common theme in reality TV shows, where participants strive to stand out among peers.
  • Iconic figures in music and film frequently outclass others, setting trends that influence culture.

Education

  • In academia, outclassing can refer to students who perform significantly better than their classmates in tests or projects.
  • Educational systems often reward those who outclass others, leading to scholarships or advanced placements.
  • Teachers may use the concept of outclassing to inspire competition in learning environments, motivating students to excel.

Translations

Translations of the word "outclass" in other languages:

🇵🇹 superar

🇮🇳 श्रेष्ठता प्राप्त करना

🇩🇪 übertreffen

🇮🇩 melebihi

🇺🇦 перевершувати

🇵🇱 przewyższać

🇯🇵 凌ぐ (しのぐ)

🇫🇷 surpasser

🇪🇸 superar

🇹🇷 aşmak

🇰🇷 능가하다

🇸🇦 تفوّق

🇨🇿 překonat

🇸🇰 prekonať

🇨🇳 超越 (chāoyuè)

🇸🇮 premagati

🇮🇸 skara fram úr

🇰🇿 асып түсу

🇬🇪 გაუსწრო

🇦🇿 üstələmək

🇲🇽 superar

Word Frequency Rank

At position #40,581, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.