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Outplaying Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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outplaying

[aสŠtหˆpleษชษชล‹ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

sports skills

Outplaying refers to the act of performing better than an opponent in a competitive situation, such as a game or sport. This term can also apply in various contexts beyond sports, such as in business or strategic situations where one party demonstrates superior abilities or tactics. To outplay someone often involves not just physical prowess but also mental sharpness and strategic thinking. It embodies the idea of one individual successfully overcoming the abilities of another through superior skill or strategy.

Synonyms

defeat, outsmart, overcome.

Examples of usage

  • The team won by outplaying their rivals.
  • She outplayed him in the chess match.
  • They managed to outplay the competition with innovative strategies.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Outplaying someone often involves strategic thinking and quick decision-making skills, showcasing competitive intelligence.
  • The feeling of outplaying others can boost self-esteem and confidence, reinforcing one's abilities and skills.

Sports

  • In competitive sports, outplaying opponents can involve skillful maneuvers that outsmart the competitor, earning wins.
  • Famous athletes, like Michael Jordan, are often remembered not just for victory but for their ability to outplay rivals in crucial moments.

Pop Culture

  • Movies and television shows often depict characters who outplay their adversaries, emphasizing cleverness and strategy over brute strength.
  • Video games frequently have mechanics where players must outplay others, fostering a culture of competition among gamers.

Education

  • Group activities and competitive learning environments encourage students to outplay their peers by demonstrating knowledge and skills.
  • Outplaying in classroom settings can promote critical thinking and collaboration, as students strategize to succeed on projects or tests.

Origin of 'outplaying'

Main points about word origin

  • The prefix 'out-' signifies exceeding or surpassing, which helps convey the idea of being better than someone else.
  • The word 'play' comes from Old English 'plegian,' meaning to exercise, which originally referred to playing games or sports.

The term 'outplaying' is derived from the combination of the prefix 'out-' and the verb 'play.' The prefix 'out-' comes from Old English 'ลซtan,' meaning 'outside' or 'beyond.' Over time, it has evolved to suggest surpassing or exceeding in various contexts. The word 'play' has its roots in the Old English 'plegan,' which refers to engaging in activity for enjoyment or competition. The concept of outplaying dates back to competitive activities in ancient cultures, where skills in sports, games, and even combat were held in high regard. As societies developed, so did the interest in measuring prowess, leading to the modern understanding of outplaying as a means to not only win but to showcase superiority in skill and intellect.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #42,881, this word is among the least frequently used in common English. Understanding it can be beneficial for comprehensive language mastery, but it's not essential for most learners.