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Outwit Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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outwit

[aŹŠtĖˆwÉŖt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

in a competition

To outsmart or outthink someone, especially in a competition or game.

Synonyms

outmaneuver, outsmart, outthink.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
outwit

Used when someone uses intelligence or cunning to defeat someone else. Often seen in situations where there is a mental challenge or trickery involved.

  • She managed to outwit her competitors with a clever marketing strategy
  • The hero had to outwit the villain to escape the trap
outsmart

Refers to someone being more intelligent or clever than another in a given situation, often used in everyday scenarios.

  • The students managed to outsmart their teacher by finding a loophole in the assignment
  • The thief outsmarted the police and escaped undetected
outthink

Used when someone uses deeper or more strategic thinking to get ahead of someone else, showing a higher level of intellectual planning.

  • The chess player was able to outthink his opponent several moves ahead
  • In business, you need to outthink your competitors to stay ahead in the market
outmaneuver

Used in situations where someone uses their skill, agility, or tactical advantage to gain the upper hand, typically in physical or strategic scenarios.

  • The race car driver outmaneuvered his opponents to take the lead
  • The general outmaneuvered the enemy forces by using the terrain to his advantage

Examples of usage

  • He managed to outwit his opponents and win the chess tournament.
  • She used her intelligence to outwit the other contestants in the quiz show.
Context #2 | Verb

in a tricky situation

To cleverly deceive or outmaneuver someone, especially in a tricky situation.

Synonyms

outfox, outmaneuver, outsmart.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
outwit

Again, this word is best used to describe situations where intelligence and cleverness are paramount in gaining an edge over someone or something.

  • The fox outwitted the hunters and escaped unscathed.
  • In business, he always finds a way to outwit his competitors.
outsmart

Implies using intelligence and cleverness to achieve an advantage, often in everyday situations.

  • She managed to outsmart her siblings and sneak the last cookie from the jar.
  • He thought he could cheat, but the teacher outsmarted him by changing the questions.
outmaneuver

Typically used in situations involving competition or conflict, where physical or strategic moves are made to gain an advantage.

  • The general outmaneuvered the enemy troops with a surprise attack.
  • During the chess match, he outmaneuvered his opponent with a brilliant series of moves.
outfox

Usually applied when someone uses cunning or sly methods to achieve a goal, often in a playful or slightly deceptive manner.

  • The detective outfoxed the criminal mastermind at his own game.
  • She outfoxed her opponent by pretending to be weak.

Examples of usage

  • She was able to outwit the security guards and escape from the building.
  • The thief outwitted the police by disguising himself as a janitor.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • Many famous characters in stories, like foxes in fables, are known for their clever tricks, often outwitting their opponents.
  • Shakespeare used the theme of outsmarting others in plays like 'Much Ado About Nothing', where characters often engage in clever banter.

Psychology

  • Studies show that outsmarting someone can create a thrill, boosting confidence and enhancing problem-solving skills.
  • Cognitive flexibility, the ability to think creatively and adaptively, is crucial for outwitting others.

Pop Culture

  • In movies like 'Ocean's Eleven', characters often devise brilliant, intricate plans to outwit security and steal valuable items.
  • Video games frequently feature characters who must outwit enemies, enhancing player engagement through strategic thinking.

History

  • Famous historical figures, like Sun Tzu, emphasized strategy and cunning in warfare, advising leaders to outwit rather than overpower an opponent.
  • During the Cold War, espionage and intelligence tactics relied heavily on outwitting rivals to gain strategic advantages.

Origin of 'outwit'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'outwit' comes from the Old English word 'wit', meaning knowledge or wisdom, plus 'out', suggesting doing better than someone.
  • It first appeared in written English during the 16th century, highlighting a shift in how intelligence was valued in competition.

The word 'outwit' originated in the mid-16th century, combining 'out' and 'wit'. It refers to the act of using one's intelligence or cleverness to surpass or deceive others in a competitive or tricky situation.

See also: unwittingly, wit, witness, witticism, wittily, wittiness, witty.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #29,176, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.