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Outstrip: meaning, definitions and examples

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outstrip

 

[aʊtstrɪp ]

Definitions

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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from Old English 'outstripan', which means to surpass or outdo.
  • It combines 'out', meaning outside or beyond, and 'strip', which is related to movement.
  • The term has been used since the 14th century to describe surpassing in speed or quality.

Sports

  • In competitions, athletes often train to outstrip their opponents in speed or skill.
  • The term is prevalent in track and field, capturing the thrill of overtaking rivals.
  • Outstripping in sports can lead to records being set, inspiring others to strive for greatness.

Business

  • Companies aim to outstrip competitors by innovating products or improving services.
  • Market leaders often find ways to outstrip smaller firms through strategic marketing.
  • Success in business is often about how well you can outstrip your rivals financially and publicly.

Literature

  • In many stories, characters strive to outstrip their pasts, overcoming obstacles to achieve greatness.
  • Authors frequently explore themes of ambition, where protagonists outstrip their limitations.
  • Classic tales often involve heroes who outstrip villains, emphasizing moral lessons on character growth.

Psychology

  • The drive to outstrip others can be a significant motivator for personal achievement.
  • Social comparisons often lead individuals to feel compelled to outstrip peers, influencing self-esteem.
  • In competitive environments, the urge to outstrip can foster both positive ambition and negative stress.

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

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.