Outdid: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word 'outdid' is the past tense of 'outdo', which comes from the prefix 'out-' meaning 'beyond' and 'do', meaning to perform an action.
• 'Outdo' has been used since the early 1500s, indicating competitive actions or achievements.
• The concept of 'doing better' has existed in various cultures, emphasizing mastery and excellence.

Psychology

• Research shows that competition can significantly motivate individuals to improve their skills.
• Outdoing others can lead to a boost in self-esteem, as achieving better outcomes is often linked with personal validation.
• However, excessive competition can also create anxiety and stress, demonstrating the delicate balance in striving to outdo.

Pop Culture

• In sports, many athletes are celebrated for outdoing their previous performances, setting new records each season.
• Reality shows often feature competitions where participants aim to outdo not just each other, but also themselves from prior episodes.
• Social media influences the concept of outdoing, with trends focused on showing a better lifestyle or achievements.

Literature

• Many stories feature characters whose main goal is to outdo rivals, such as in fables where challenges serve as moral lessons.
• Classic literature often highlights themes of rivalry and achievement, with protagonists striving to outdo challenges or adversaries.
• The motif of outdoing oneself is prevalent in works about personal growth or redemption arcs.

This word's position of #32,930 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.

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• 32927 stentorian
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• 32929 sentimentally
• 32930 outdid
• 32931 monosyllable
• 32932 filthiness
• 32933 flouring
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