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Outnumbered Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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outnumbered

[aʊtˈnʌmbərd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

numerical comparison

Outnumbered refers to a situation where one group has fewer members than another. It is often used to describe scenarios in battle, competition, or any context where one side is significantly less than another.

Synonyms

outgunned, outmatched, overpowered, surpassed.

Examples of usage

  • The soldiers felt outnumbered during the battle.
  • In discussions, she often felt outnumbered by her peers.
  • The team was outnumbered by their opponents.
  • The wildlife in the area is outnumbered by invasive species.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Historical Context

  • During World War II, many battles were fought by armies that were heavily outnumbered but still managed to achieve significant victories.
  • The phrase gained prominence during events where small forces faced larger opponents, highlighting bravery and strategy.
  • In the American Civil War, several key battles, like the Battle of Gettysburg, featured outnumbered forces employing clever tactics to overcome larger armies.

Psychology

  • Studies show that being outnumbered can lead to feelings of social anxiety or pressure, especially in group dynamics.
  • People may perceive those outnumbered as having less social power, affecting their confidence to speak or act.
  • In decision-making scenarios, being outnumbered can influence choices, causing individuals to conform to the majority opinion.

Pop Culture

  • Movies often depict heroes or protagonists as outnumbered in battles or conflicts, making their eventual triumphs more thrilling.
  • The concept is central in numerous sports narratives, where underdog teams are seen outnumbered yet still compete valiantly.
  • Famous quotes about being outnumbered often resonate in motivational contexts, encouraging those who feel at a disadvantage in life.

Social Issues

  • In discussions about representation, marginalized groups often feel outnumbered in societal spaces, impacting their visibility and voice.
  • Debates about voting power often highlight how certain demographics can feel outnumbered in decision-making processes.
  • Activism often mobilizes around causes where certain groups feel outnumbered in political influence.

Origin of 'outnumbered'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'outnumbered' comes from the combination of 'out,' meaning outside, and 'number,' which refers to counting.
  • It first appeared in the English language in the late 17th century.
  • The term is often used in military contexts to describe one side having fewer soldiers than the other.

The word 'outnumbered' is derived from the combination of 'out' and 'numbered'. The prefix 'out-' suggests being outside or beyond a limit, while 'numbered' comes from the verb 'number', which has its roots in Middle English as 'nomberen', derived from Old French 'nombrer' and Latin 'numerare'. Its use in the English language dates back to the late 17th century. The term began to gain traction in military contexts during the 19th century, illustrating its association with conflict where forces were compared numerically. Over the years, it has been adopted in various situations beyond warfare, including competitive environments and everyday scenarios where one group is quantitatively inferior to another.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,034, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.