Reading Theme:
Outdo: Definition, Usage & Common Mistakes
Meaning 1：surpass or excel (outdo)
outdo
/ˌaʊtˈduː/
vt.
To do something better than someone else, like scoring higher in a game or performing better in a task.
surpass or excel
➕
/sərˈpæs ɔːr ɪkˈsel/
vt.
To perform or achieve at a level higher than someone else, often in a competitive context like games, work, or other activities.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
A compound of 'out-' (meaning 'beyond' or 'more than') and 'do'.
💡 Mnemonic
Think: OUTperform what you DO. To 'outdo' someone is to go 'out' beyond what they 'do'.
📖 Example
My little brother always tries to outdo me in video games, but I usually win.
My little brother constantly attempts to surpass me in video games, yet I am typically the victor.
🔗 Collocations
outdo oneself – to perform better than one has ever done before
try to outdo – to make an effort to surpass someone
hard to outdo – difficult to surpass or excel
🔄 Synonyms
surpass (vt.) – to exceed or go beyond in degree, amount, or quality.
excel (v.) – to be exceptionally good at or proficient in an activity or subject.
outperform (vt.) – to perform better than someone or something else.
🚫 Antonyms
underperform (v.) – to perform less well than expected or than others.
lag behind () – to fail to keep pace with others; to fall behind.
fall short () – to fail to reach a desired standard or target.
📖 Cultural Story
The word 'outdo' originates from the Old English 'ūtdōn,' meaning 'to put out, eject.' Its modern sense of 'to surpass in performance' developed in the late 16th century, capturing the competitive spirit of striving to exceed others.
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