Outscore Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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outscore

[aʊtˈskɔːr ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

sports competition

To outscore means to score more points than an opponent or rival. This term is commonly used in various sports, such as basketball, football, and hockey. When a team or player outscores another, they demonstrate superior performance in terms of scoring. It reflects a victory in a specific competition based on the score achieved. Outscoring is often seen as a key factor in determining the winner of a game.

Synonyms

defeat, outperform, surpass.

Examples of usage

  • The team managed to outscore their opponents by ten points.
  • He outscored all other players in the tournament.
  • In the final quarter, they outscored the rival team dramatically.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Sports

  • In basketball, outscoring the opponent is crucial for victory, emphasizing the importance of offense and defense.
  • Football (soccer) often revolves around strategies to outscore the opposing team, showcasing tactical plays and teamwork.
  • Teams often review past games to understand how they were outscored, helping improve future performance.

Psychology

  • Competitiveness in scoring can trigger a sense of achievement, boosting confidence and motivation.
  • Studies show that players who focus on both scoring and teamwork tend to achieve better outcomes in group sports.
  • The desire to outscore opponents can lead to increased adrenaline levels, influencing performance in high-pressure situations.

Pop Culture

  • The notion of outscoring rivals is prevalent in movies and TV shows that focus on competitive sports, highlighting personal struggle.
  • In video games, players often seek to outscore one another, adding a layer of excitement and competition to the experience.
  • Reality competition shows frequently have challenges where contestants aim to outscore each other for rewards or advancement.

Literature

  • Many sports novels highlight the theme of outscoring as a metaphor for overcoming life's challenges and personal growth.
  • Authors often use the concept of outscoring as a narrative device to build tension and resolve character arcs.
  • Poems about sports frequently capture the thrill of outscoring opponents, tying it to deeper life lessons and human emotions.

Origin of 'outscore'

Main points about word origin

  • The word combines 'out-', meaning beyond or outside, with 'score', which comes from an old term for counting points.
  • Usage of the term began in sports contexts, specifically in games where points or goals are measured.
  • The prefix 'out-' has been used in English since the 14th century, indicating excess or surpassing something.

The word 'outscore' is a combination of the prefix 'out-' and the noun 'score'. The prefix 'out-' originates from Old English 'ūt', which means 'out' or 'beyond', indicating an action exceeding or surpassing. The term 'score' comes from the Old Norse word 'skora', meaning 'to score' or 'to cut'. It originally referred to making marks or cuts to keep count, such as in scoring games or events. The usage of 'outscore' as a term for sports and competitive contexts started to gain popularity in the 20th century as organized sports became more prevalent and terminology associated with scoring became standardized.