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Outnumber: meaning, definitions and examples

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outnumber

 

[ aʊtˈnʌmbər ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

numerical comparison

To outnumber means to be greater in number than something else. This term is often used in contexts where one group is larger than another, giving them an advantage.

Synonyms

exceed, outweigh, surpass

Examples of usage

  • The voters outnumbered the opposition significantly.
  • In this battle, the enemy forces outnumbered our troops.
  • Women outnumber men in many universities.
  • The fish outnumber the birds in the pond.

Translations

Translations of the word "outnumber" in other languages:

🇵🇹 superar em número

🇮🇳 संख्या में अधिक होना

🇩🇪 überzahlen

🇮🇩 melebihi jumlah

🇺🇦 перевершувати за чисельністю

🇵🇱 przewyższać liczebnie

🇯🇵 数で勝る

🇫🇷 dépasser en nombre

🇪🇸 superar en número

🇹🇷 sayıca geçmek

🇰🇷 수적으로 우세하다

🇸🇦 يتجاوز العدد

🇨🇿 převyšovat počet

🇸🇰 prevyšovať počet

🇨🇳 超过数量

🇸🇮 presegati po številu

🇮🇸 vera í fjölda

🇰🇿 саннан асып түсу

🇬🇪 მრავალობით სჯობნა

🇦🇿 sayca üstələmək

🇲🇽 superar en número

Etymology

The word 'outnumber' originated in the early 17th century, combining the prefix 'out-' meaning 'beyond' or 'exceeding' with the word 'number.' This reflects a concept common in English where the prefix 'out-' is used in verbs to indicate a greater degree or extent of something. Unlike its constituent parts, the use of 'outnumber' specifically embodies a comparative sense, which is particularly valuable in contexts of competition or quantification. The usage has remained consistent over the centuries, illustrating its stability in the language as a means to describe numerical superiority.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,855, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.