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Outdoing Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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outdoing

[aʊtˈduːɪŋ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

achievement comparison

Outdoing refers to the act of surpassing or exceeding someone or something in performance, achievement, or quality. It implies doing better than another person or entity, often in a competitive context.

Synonyms

bettering, exceeding, outperforming, surpassing.

Examples of usage

  • She is always outdoing herself in her artistic projects.
  • He focused on outdoing his rivals in the latest competition.
  • The new model is outdoing its predecessors in both sales and customer satisfaction.
  • They are known for outdoing each other during the holiday decorating contest.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • The desire to outdo others can be linked to motivation theory, where individuals strive for achievement to enhance their self-esteem.
  • Studies show that competition can act as a double-edged sword; while it can motivate individuals to perform better, it can also lead to stress and anxiety in some cases.

Pop Culture

  • Reality competitions often showcase individuals trying to outdo each other, creating dramatic confrontations and compelling storylines.
  • Popular shows, like 'American Idol', thrive on contestants outdoing each other in vocal talent, driving excitement among viewers.

Sports

  • In sporting events, athletes are constantly outdoing their previous records, pushing the limits of human capability over time.
  • Events like the Olympics showcase the pinnacle of competition, where outdoing one's opponents becomes a matter of national pride and personal achievement.

Literature

  • Many literary works explore themes of competition and the human desire to surpass others, such as 'Moby Dick,' where Captain Ahab tries to outdo nature and fate.
  • Poets often use 'outdoing' in their verses to portray rivalry not only between characters but also within oneself, highlighting internal struggles.

Origin of 'outdoing'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'outdoing' comes from combining 'out', meaning beyond or surpassing, with 'doing', which refers to the act of performing or performing something.
  • It first appeared in English around the late Middle Ages when competition and personal achievements began to gain more focus in society.

The term 'outdoing' is the present participle of the verb 'outdo', which dates back to the late 14th century. It stems from the combination of 'out' and 'do', where 'do' is derived from Old English 'don', meaning to perform or execute. The prefix 'out-' in this context implies surpassing or going beyond. The evolution of the word reflects the competitive spirit inherent in human activities, where individuals strive to exceed one another in various tasks or achievements. Over centuries, 'outdoing' has extended its use from traditional contexts such as competitions and personal achievements to more modern applications in business, sports, and arts. As a result, it encapsulates the drive for excellence and the desire to achieve more than others across diverse fields.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #37,154, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.