Outwitted - Definition, Meaning, and Examples in English

Definition

^{Context #1 | Verb}

cognitive competition

Outwitted is the past tense of the verb 'outwit', which means to deceive or defeat someone by being more clever than they are. This term often implies a battle of wits, where one person uses intelligence or cunning to gain an advantage over another. It can be used in various contexts, including games, negotiations, or even in everyday situations where cleverness plays a crucial role. The term carries a connotation of skillful maneuvering and can often involve trickery or smart tactics.

Synonyms

bamboozle, fool, outsmart, trick.

Examples of usage

She outwitted her opponent in the chess match.
The cunning fox outwitted the hunters.
He outwitted them by cleverly planning his escape.
They always try to outwit each other during the debates.

Interesting Facts

Literature

Many classic tales, like 'The Tortoise and the Hare,' highlight themes where the slower but clever character outsmarts the fast but careless one.
In Shakespeare's works, characters frequently engage in witty banter, where one often 'outwits' another in clever exchanges.
Modern literature features antiheroes who use cunning and intellect to navigate challenges, emphasizing the value of being outwitted.

Pop Culture

Movies like 'The Usual Suspects' show characters who are outwitted by a mastermind, reinforcing the theme of intelligence over brawn.
TV shows such as 'Sherlock' often depict the protagonist outwitting their adversaries in intellectual duels.
Video games like 'Portal' require players to outwit puzzles, combining strategy with wit to progress through levels.

Psychology

Cognitive flexibility allows individuals to outwit others by adapting quickly to new information and situations.
Research shows that humor and wit can improve social interactions, often making it easier to outwit opponents in conversations.
Outwitting can involve deception, often reflecting deeper psychological facets like confidence, creativity, and resourcefulness.

Historical Usage

In famous historical tales, cunning strategists often outwitted their enemies in battle, emphasizing intelligence over sheer power.
Folklore includes characters known for their wit, such as Anansi the Spider in West African stories, who used cleverness to outsmart opponents.
Throughout history, many leaders have relied on wit to navigate political landscapes, proving that intelligence can be a powerful tool.

Origin of 'outwitted'

Main points about word origin

The word combines 'out,' meaning beyond or surpass, with 'wit,' which relates to intelligence and cleverness.
Early usage dates back to the 15th century, illustrating the importance of mental agility in competition.
The term has a playful connotation, often used in stories where someone uses their smarts to overcome challenges.

The word 'outwit' has its roots in the Old English word 'wit', which means 'to know' or 'knowledge'. This origin lays a foundational understanding of the term as it pertains to intelligence or mental sharpness. The prefix 'out-' suggests surpassing or overcoming, thus 'outwit' literally translates to surpassing in wit or intelligence. The transition of the word into more modern usage has been observed since the 15th century, indicating a longstanding recognition of the value of cunning and cleverness in human interactions. Over centuries, 'outwit' has evolved into a versatile term often employed in literature and conversation, depicting scenarios where intellect is pitted against intellect. Its application spans various contexts, highlighting the human tendency to engage in mental games, strategy, and negotiation.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #29,750, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.

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29747 chiropractor
29748 gentrification
29749 ranted
29750 outwitted
29751 bioreactor
29752 ragweed
29753 celebrant
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Outwitted Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations