Pipped: meaning, definitions and examples

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pipped

 

[ pɪpt ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

sports contest

To pip someone means to defeat them narrowly in a competitive situation, often in a race or competition. This term suggests a close victory where the winner barely edges out the runner-up.

Synonyms

narrowly defeated, outpaced, outperformed

Examples of usage

  • She pipped him to the post in the final sprint.
  • The team pipped their rivals in the championship.
  • He was pipped at the line by a mere fraction of a second.
Context #2 | Verb

informal

In informal usage, to pip can mean to surpass someone in achievement or to outdo them in any context, not limited to competitions. It often conveys a sense of surprise or unexpectedness.

Synonyms

outdo, outsmart, overtake

Examples of usage

  • She managed to pip her classmate in the exam results.
  • He pipped his colleague to the promotion.
  • They were pipped by a last-minute decision from management.

Translations

Translations of the word "pipped" in other languages:

🇵🇹 superar

🇮🇳 हराना

🇩🇪 übertreffen

🇮🇩 mengalahkan

🇺🇦 перемогти

🇵🇱 pokonać

🇯🇵 勝つ

🇫🇷 dépasser

🇪🇸 superar

🇹🇷 geçmek

🇰🇷 이기다

🇸🇦 يتفوق على

🇨🇿 překonat

🇸🇰 predbehnúť

🇨🇳 超过

🇸🇮 premagati

🇮🇸 sigrast

🇰🇿 жеңу

🇬🇪 მოიგო

🇦🇿 üstün gəlmək

🇲🇽 superar

Etymology

The verb 'pip' is thought to originate from the late 19th century, potentially derived from the sound of the pipping of a chick hatching or a similar auditory sensation. The term found its use in various contexts, including racing and competitive events, emphasizing a narrow escape or victory. The figurative use has expanded, associating it with instances of outsmarting or overcoming an opponent in general situations. Its rise in popularity can be tied to its informal adoption in sports lingo and competitive discourse, embodying that thrilling sensation of a close win. The word’s application has continued to evolve, often used in both serious contexts (like sports) and more casual or humorous exchanges.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #40,101, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.