Outsmart Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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outsmart

[ˌaʊtˈsmɑːrt ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

intelligence

To outwit or outdo someone by being more clever or cunning.

Synonyms

outdo, outmaneuver, outthink, outwit.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
outsmart	Used when someone uses their intelligence or cunning to overcome another person or situation. Often implies cleverness or trickery. He managed to outsmart his opponent by predicting their every move. The thief outsmarted the security system and got away with the valuables.
outwit	Often implies using cleverness or cunning to defeat someone or something, typically involving trickery or deception. She managed to outwit the scammer and protect her personal information. In many folk tales, the hero outwits the villain through clever tricks.
outdo	Useful when someone performs better or achieves more than someone else, often in a competitive manner. She always tries to outdo her colleagues at work. In every competition, he aims to outdo his previous record.
outthink	Applied when someone uses superior thinking or reasoning to gain an advantage over another. To win at chess, you need to outthink your opponent several moves ahead. He outthought the competition by coming up with a unique business strategy.
outmaneuver	Best used when someone skillfully and strategically gets the upper hand in a challenging or competitive situation, often involving movement or tactics. The army managed to outmaneuver the enemy forces on the battlefield. During the debate, she outmaneuvered her opponent with sharp arguments.

Examples of usage

He was able to outsmart his opponents in the chess tournament.
She managed to outsmart the con artist and avoid getting scammed.
The detective outsmarted the criminal and solved the case.
It's not easy to outsmart a master manipulator.
The tricky puzzle required us to think creatively and outsmart the game.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

intelligence

A person who is able to consistently outwit others through cleverness and cunning.

Synonyms

brain, genius, mastermind, prodigy.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
outsmart	Used when someone uses cleverness to defeat or trick someone else. She managed to outsmart the thief and get her wallet back. They tried to outsmart their opponents by coming up with a new strategy.
mastermind	Used to refer to someone who plans and directs a complex project or scheme, often with a connotation of secrecy or ingenuity. The police finally caught the mastermind behind the bank robbery. He is the mastermind of the innovative marketing campaign.
genius	Used to describe someone with extraordinary intellectual or creative power. Highly complimentary. Albert Einstein is considered a genius in the field of physics. Her solution to the problem was pure genius.
brain	Often used to describe someone who is very intelligent or the main thinker in a group. Informal. He's the brain behind this successful project. We need a brain like hers to solve this complicated problem.
prodigy	Used to describe a young person who is exceptionally talented or intelligent. Mozart was a musical prodigy, composing music at a very young age. The chess prodigy won against players twice his age.

Examples of usage

She's a true outsmart in the world of espionage.
The young outsmart impressed everyone with his strategic thinking.
Being an outsmart requires a combination of intelligence and intuition.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

Cognitive flexibility, a key trait in those who outsmart challenges, allows individuals to adapt and think outside the box.
Research shows that using complex problem-solving skills often boosts individuals' confidence and enhances their ability to think creatively.

Literature

In many classic stories, protagonists often outsmart their foes, showcasing intelligence as a form of strength, like Odysseus in Homer's 'Odyssey'.
Books focused on detective stories often revolve around the theme of outsmarting others, as the detective uses wit to solve intricate puzzles.

Pop Culture

Movies like 'Ocean's Eleven' highlight outsmarting through elaborate heists, emphasizing teamwork and clever strategies.
Television shows such as 'Survivor' demonstrate outsmarting opponents not just physically but socially, showing the importance of strategy in gameplay.

Science

Studies in animal behavior illustrate that certain species, like crows, demonstrate outsmarting by using tools and problem-solving skills.
In psychology experiments, humans often participate in games where they must outsmart opponents through strategic thinking, reflecting real-world scenarios.

Origin of 'outsmart'

Main points about word origin

The term 'outsmart' originated in the early 19th century, combining 'out,' meaning beyond, and 'smart,' meaning to be quick-witted.
Earlier versions of the term included similar phrases like 'outwit,' which emphasizes clever outmaneuvering.

The word 'outsmart' originated in the early 19th century as a combination of 'out' and 'smart', with 'smart' referring to intelligence or cleverness. The concept of outsmarting someone has been prevalent in human interactions throughout history, as individuals constantly seek to gain an advantage over others through wit and cunning. The term has been widely used in various contexts, from strategic games like chess to everyday situations where one must outthink their opponents. Being able to outsmart others is often seen as a valuable skill, demonstrating a quick and sharp mind.

See also: smart, smarter, smartness, smartwatch, smartypants.