Outplayed Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐ŸŽฎ
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outplayed

[หŒaสŠtหˆpleษชd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

gaming

Defeat (an opponent) decisively in a game or competition.

Synonyms

outclass, outdo, outmaneuver, outsmart, outwit.

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Word Description / Examples
outplayed

Used in the context of games or sports where one player or team outperforms another through skill.

  • They were completely outplayed in the second half.
  • She outplayed all her opponents in the chess tournament.
outclass

Used to describe situations where someone or something shows much higher quality or skill than others, often in a more formal or academic context.

  • The new smartphone outclassed all its competitors.
  • Her performance in the debate outclassed everyone elseโ€™s.
outsmart

Involves using intelligence or cleverness to gain an advantage over someone, often in a tricky or cunning way.

  • The thief outsmarted the security system.
  • She outsmarted him in the negotiation by getting the better deal.
outwit

Similar to outsmart, but often suggests a more cunning or strategic approach, sometimes with a slightly negative or sly connotation.

  • He outwitted his opponents with a clever ruse.
  • The fox outwitted the hunters by escaping through a hidden tunnel.
outmaneuver

Typically used in more tactical or strategic situations, like business or military scenarios, where one gains an advantage through skillful planning.

  • They managed to outmaneuver their competitors with a new marketing strategy.
  • The general outmaneuvered the enemy forces with a surprise attack.
outdo

General expression for doing better than someone in various fields, such as work, creativity, or skill.

  • He always tries to outdo his colleagues by working late.
  • She outdid herself with this year's holiday decorations.

Examples of usage

  • He outplayed his rival in the final match.
  • She outplayed her opponent with superior strategy.
  • The team outplayed their opponents in every aspect of the game.
  • The chess grandmaster outplayed his young challenger effortlessly.
  • The experienced player outplayed the newcomer with ease.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Being outplayed can impact one's self-esteem, often leading to reflection on personal performance and skill development.
  • It invokes feelings of competitiveness, which can motivate improvement and personal growth.
  • Research suggests that experiencing losses, like being outplayed, can teach resilience and adaptability.

Pop Culture

  • In popular sports, moments where a team or player is outplayed become legendary, enhancing their narrative in media.
  • Movies often depict the theme of being outplayed as a pivotal moment, showcasing character growth or redemption.
  • Video games frequently utilize the concept of being outplayed in multiplayer settings, emphasizing strategy and skill.

Sports

  • The act of being outplayed can be seen in various sports, such as football or basketball, where strategy often triumphs over brute strength.
  • Great athletes often use being outplayed as a learning experience to refine their techniques and strategies in future matches.
  • Historic rivalries in sports have escalated because of notable instances of one team consistently outplaying another.

Literature

  • Literary works often explore the theme of being outplayed, symbolizing life's challenges and the necessity of clever thinking.
  • Classic novels frequently feature characters who are outplayed by wits, underscoring moral lessons about humility and the importance of cunning.
  • Authors use outplaying as a literary device to create tension and conflict, making characters evolve throughout the plot.

Origin of 'outplayed'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'outplayed' combines 'out', meaning surpassing, and 'played', the past tense of 'play'.
  • The concept traces back to competitive games, where being 'outplayed' emphasizes skill and strategy.
  • It has been widely used in sports language since the early 20th century, gradually spreading to other competitive fields.

The term 'outplayed' originates from the world of gaming, particularly in competitive video games. It is often used to describe a situation where one player or team decisively defeats their opponents by showcasing superior skills, strategy, or tactics. The concept of 'outplaying' has become popular in the gaming community as a way to acknowledge and celebrate exceptional gameplay. Over time, the term has also been adopted in other competitive fields to describe a clear and dominant victory.


See also: downplay, interplay, misplay, outplay, overplay, play, playback, playboy, player, players, playful, playfully, playfulness, playground, playhouse, playing, playlist, playoff, plays, plaything, playtime, playwright, playwrights, teleplay.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #39,957, 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.