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Outdating Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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outdating

[aʊtˈdeɪtɪŋ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

becoming obsolete

Outdating refers to the process of becoming outdated or no longer in use. This can happen to ideas, technologies, or even fashion trends as society evolves and newer alternatives are introduced.

Synonyms

antiquated, obsolete, outmoded.

Examples of usage

  • The rapid advancement of technology is outdating many traditional methods.
  • The fashion industry is constantly outdating last season's styles.
  • His theories were outdating as new research emerged.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Technology

  • In the tech world, devices and software can become outdated quickly as new features and improvements are constantly developed.
  • Outdating in technology can impact user experience and safety, especially when older systems no longer receive updates or support.

Fashion

  • Fashion trends can go in and out of style quickly, meaning last season's clothes can become outdated by the next season.
  • Some designers intentionally create 'timeless' pieces to resist the tendency of outdating, emphasizing the idea of lasting elegance.

Psychology

  • People often feel nostalgic about past trends, even if they have become outdated, highlighting how memories can anchor emotional attachments.
  • The need to stay updated can cause anxiety for some individuals, indicating how society values novelty and current trends.

Cultural Shifts

  • Cultural practices or norms may become outdated as societal values evolve, like how certain terms or ways of thinking are reconsidered over time.
  • In literature and art, outdating can reflect the passage of time, as earlier styles may be overshadowed by emerging movements that redefine creativity.

Origin of 'outdating'

Main points about word origin

  • The word combines 'out' meaning to go beyond or surpass, and 'date' which refers to the time something was created or popular.
  • It started becoming popular in English around the early 20th century when society began to experience rapid changes in technology and culture.

The term 'outdating' originates from the combination of 'out-' (a prefix meaning 'beyond' or 'external') and 'date,' which in this context means to mark the time of an event or object's relevance. The verb 'to date' has roots in Old French 'dater', which is derived from Latin 'data', meaning 'given'. As society evolved, so did the concept of dating, particularly in relation to how we define the significance of ideas, trends, and technologies over time. The transition to the modern usage of 'outdating' highlights a continual assessment of value as new innovations arise, rendering previous forms and concepts less applicable or acceptable.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #42,420, 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.