Outstrip: meaning, definitions and examples

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outstrip

 

[ aʊtstrɪp ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

surpassing others

To outstrip means to go beyond in performance, achievement, or quality. It implies being ahead of others in a race, competition, or comparison.

Synonyms

exceed, outdo, outpace, surpass.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
outstrip

Used to describe surpassing someone or something in a more dynamic sense, often involving speed or numbers.

  • The company's sales have outstripped expectations.
  • She quickly outstripped her classmates in reading ability.
surpass

Generally used to indicate going beyond something in quality, achievement, or degree, often carrying a sense of admiration.

  • Her performance surpassed all expectations.
  • The new restaurant has surpassed the old one in terms of popularity.
exceed

Commonly used when referring to going beyond a certain limit or standard, especially in measurements or expectations.

  • The temperature is expected to exceed 30 degrees today.
  • The cost of the project exceeded our budget.
outdo

Applicable when someone outperforms or does something better than another, often in a competitive or comparative scenario.

  • He always tries to outdo his siblings in sports.
  • The new model outdoes its predecessor in every aspect.
outpace

Best used when describing moving or progressing faster than someone or something, particularly over time.

  • The company has managed to outpace its competitors in the market.
  • Technological advancements are outpacing regulatory changes.

Examples of usage

  • He outstripped his competitors in the marathon by a significant margin.
  • Her academic achievements outstrip those of her classmates.
  • The company's growth has outstripped all expectations.
Context #2 | Verb

moving faster than

To outstrip can also mean to move faster than someone or something else, leaving them behind.

Synonyms

leave behind, outrun, overtake.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
outstrip

To highlight exceeding someone or something in performance or achievement. Often used in business or performance contexts.

  • Our company managed to outstrip its competitors this quarter
  • Her academic achievements outstripped everyone's expectations
outrun

Primarily used when talking about physically running faster than someone or something. Can also be used metaphorically.

  • The thief managed to outrun the police
  • She tried to outrun her fears
overtake

To catch up with and then pass someone or something. Common in contexts involving movement, especially vehicles, but can be used metaphorically.

  • A fast car overtook us on the highway
  • His career plans were overtaken by unexpected events
leave behind

Used to indicate moving ahead of someone or something, either physically or metaphorically. Commonly employed in everyday language.

  • He ran faster and left his friends behind
  • The new technology has left the old methods behind

Examples of usage

  • The sports car easily outstripped the other vehicles on the highway.
  • The horse outstripped its rider, galloping ahead at full speed.

Translations

Translations of the word "outstrip" in other languages:

🇵🇹 ultrapassar

🇮🇳 आगे निकल जाना

🇩🇪 übertreffen

🇮🇩 melampaui

🇺🇦 випереджати

🇵🇱 wyprzedzać

🇯🇵 凌ぐ (しのぐ)

🇫🇷 dépasser

🇪🇸 superar

🇹🇷 geçmek

🇰🇷 능가하다

🇸🇦 يتجاوز

🇨🇿 předčit

🇸🇰 predbehnúť

🇨🇳 超越 (chāoyuè)

🇸🇮 preseči

🇮🇸 fara fram úr

🇰🇿 асып кету

🇬🇪 გადასწრება

🇦🇿 ötmək

🇲🇽 superar

Etymology

The word 'outstrip' originated in the early 17th century, derived from the combination of 'out' and 'strip'. It originally meant to strip off or divest oneself of something, but over time, its meaning evolved to signify surpassing or moving faster than others.

See also: outstripping, strip, striped, stripped, stripper, stripping, strips, stripy.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #26,488, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.