Outwitting: meaning, definitions and examples

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outwitting

 

[ aʊtˈwɪtɪŋ ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

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.

Translations

Translations of the word "outwitting" in other languages:

🇵🇹 enganando

🇮🇳 धोखा देना

🇩🇪 überlistend

🇮🇩 menipukan

🇺🇦 перехитрюючи

🇵🇱 przechytrzając

🇯🇵 出し抜く

🇫🇷 déjouant

🇪🇸 engañando

🇹🇷 kandırarak

🇰🇷 속인다

🇸🇦 خداع

🇨🇿 přechytračující

🇸🇰 prehrávajúci

🇨🇳 智取

🇸🇮 premagovanje

🇮🇸 snyrti

🇰🇿 алдау

🇬🇪 მოლოდინი

🇦🇿 aldadaraq

🇲🇽 engañando

Word origin

The term 'outwitting' is derived from the prefix 'out-' combined with the root word 'wit', which has its origins in Old English 'wita' meaning wise or knowledgeable. The word 'wit' has evolved over centuries, reflecting a range of meanings from intellectual aptitude to clever humor. The verb form 'to wit' originally referred to the act of knowing or being aware. The transformation into 'outwit' suggests a progression towards not merely possessing knowledge but using it effectively to surpass others. The development of the word also aligns with changing societal values emphasizing cunning and strategic thinking as essential traits in both personal and competitive realms.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,031, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.