Outwitting: meaning, definitions and examples
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outwitting
[aʊtˈwɪtɪŋ ]
Definition
clever strategy
Outwitting refers to the act of defeating or getting the better of someone through cleverness or intelligence. This often involves using one’s wits to avoid falling into traps or to outsmart an opponent. The term is frequently associated with trickery or deception but can also highlight the clever use of tactics in competitive situations. It's commonly used in contexts where strategy and cunning play a crucial role in achieving a goal. Outwitting someone implies that an individual has utilized superior judgment or resourcefulness to gain an advantage.
Synonyms
beguile, outfox, outmaneuver, outsmart, trick.
Examples of usage
- She outwitted her competitors in the game.
- He managed to outwit the guards and escape.
- The detective outwitted the criminal during the investigation.
- They outwitted their opponents with a clever plan.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word comes from 'wit', which means the ability to think quickly and understand things, plus the prefix 'out-' meaning to surpass.
- Earliest known use of 'outwit' can be traced back to the 1560s, when cleverness was often praised in literature and storytelling.
Literature
- Many classic stories, like Aesop's fables, feature characters that outwit bigger or stronger foes through intelligence rather than strength.
- In Shakespeare’s plays, characters often use cunning strategies to outwit their opponents, showcasing the importance of wits in human interaction.
Pop Culture
- The character of Sherlock Holmes is famous for his ability to outwit criminals through keen observation and clever reasoning.
- In many movies, the hero often outwits the villain, highlighting themes of intelligence and cleverness winning over brute force.
Psychology
- Being able to outwit or outsmart others can often be linked to higher cognitive skills, such as problem-solving and critical thinking.
- In social situations, those who can outwit others may find themselves in positions of influence because they can navigate challenges effectively.
Education
- In competitive learning environments, students are often encouraged to outwit their peers through innovative thinking and creative problem-solving.
- Teaching strategies that focus on critical thinking can help students learn to outwit challenges rather than simply follow rules.
Translations
Translations of the word "outwitting" in other languages:
🇵🇹 enganando
- superando
- burlando
🇮🇳 धोखा देना
- चतुराई से जीतना
- चालाकी से जीतना
🇩🇪 überlistend
🇮🇩 menipukan
- mengalahkan
- mengakali
🇺🇦 перехитрюючи
🇵🇱 przechytrzając
🇯🇵 出し抜く
🇫🇷 déjouant
🇪🇸 engañando
- superando
- burlando
🇹🇷 kandırarak
🇰🇷 속인다
🇸🇦 خداع
🇨🇿 přechytračující
🇸🇰 prehrávajúci
🇨🇳 智取
🇸🇮 premagovanje
🇮🇸 snyrti
🇰🇿 алдау
🇬🇪 მოლოდინი
🇦🇿 aldadaraq
🇲🇽 engañando