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Surpass Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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surpass

[səˈpɑːs ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

achievement

To exceed or go beyond in achievement or excellence.

Synonyms

exceed, outdo, outstrip, top.

Examples of usage

  • His skills surpass those of his competitors.
  • She surpassed all expectations with her performance at the competition.
Context #2 | Verb

surpassing limits

To go beyond the limits of.

Synonyms

exceed, outstrip, surmount, transcend.

Examples of usage

  • The company surpassed their sales goals for the quarter.
  • The athlete surpassed the previous record for the event.
Context #3 | Noun

superiority

The state or condition of being superior to something else.

Synonyms

dominance, excellence, superiority, supremacy.

Examples of usage

  • The team's surpass in skills made them the champions.
  • Her surpass in intelligence was evident from a young age.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • In Shakespeare's works, characters often strive to surpass their rivals or their previous selves, reflecting ambition.
  • Many epic tales involve heroes who surpass their limits, demonstrating growth and resilience throughout their journeys.
  • The concept of surpassing one's personal best is frequently found in motivational literature, symbolizing self-improvement.

Psychology

  • Research shows that setting goals to surpass previous achievements can boost motivation and self-esteem.
  • The 'Optimal Challenge' theory suggests that individuals perform best when they aim to surpass a specific goal, rather than just achieve it.
  • Mindset plays a key role; those who believe they can surpass barriers tend to succeed more often than those who don't.

Pop Culture

  • In sports, numerous athletes are celebrated for surpassing world records, making headlines and inspiring future generations.
  • Television competition shows often showcase contestants aiming to surpass the achievements of previous winners.
  • Many video games include levels or challenges that players must surpass to progress, reinforcing the concept in entertainment.

Origin of 'surpass'

Main points about word origin

  • The word originates from the Middle English word 'surpassen,' which means to exceed or go beyond.
  • It combines 'sur-' meaning over or above, and 'pass,' which means to go by or through.
  • The term became popular in the English language around the 15th century, often used in literature and poetry.

The word 'surpass' originated from the Old French word 'surpasser', which means 'to go beyond'. It has been in use in the English language since the 14th century. The concept of surpassing one's limits or achieving excellence has been valued throughout history, leading to the continued use of this word in various contexts.

See also: surpassable, surpassing, unsurpassable, unsurpassed.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,992, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.