Surmount: meaning, definitions and examples

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surmount

 

[ sərˈmaʊnt ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

overcome obstacles

To surmount means to overcome a difficulty or obstacle. It implies conquering something that is challenging or standing in the way of progress.

Synonyms

beat, conquer, overcome

Examples of usage

  • I had to surmount many obstacles to reach my goals.
  • She was determined to surmount any challenge that came her way.
Context #2 | Verb

be on top of

To surmount can also mean to be on top of or above something physically. It suggests being at a higher position compared to something else.

Synonyms

dominate, overlook, tower over

Examples of usage

  • The castle was surmounted by a tall tower.
  • The mountain peak was surmounted by a cross.

Translations

Translations of the word "surmount" in other languages:

🇵🇹 superar

🇮🇳 पार करना

🇩🇪 überwinden

🇮🇩 mengatasi

🇺🇦 подолати

🇵🇱 pokonać

🇯🇵 克服する (kokufuku suru)

🇫🇷 surmonter

🇪🇸 superar

🇹🇷 aşmak

🇰🇷 극복하다 (geukbokhada)

🇸🇦 تجاوز

🇨🇿 překonat

🇸🇰 prekonať

🇨🇳 克服 (kèfú)

🇸🇮 premagati

🇮🇸 yfirstíga

🇰🇿 жеңу

🇬🇪 დაძლევა

🇦🇿 üstələmək

🇲🇽 superar

Word origin

The word 'surmount' originated from Middle French 'surmonter', from sur- 'over' + monter 'to mount'. It entered the English language in the late 14th century with the meaning 'to rise above physically'. Over time, it evolved to also encompass the sense of overcoming obstacles or challenges.

See also: insurmountable, mount, mountain, mounted, mounting.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,316, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.