bested
Definition
- Verb (past tense of ):
- To defeat or outdo: "bested" means to have been defeated, surpassed, or outperformed in a competition, contest, or conflict.
- To get the better of: It implies that one party has prevailed over another, often through skill, effort, or advantage.
Usage Examples
- (She defeated her opponent.)
- (He was outperformed.)
- (They exceeded or surpassed expectations.)
Advanced Usage
"to be bested at one's own game": to be defeated using the same methods or strategies that one is known for.
- The master chef was bested at his own game by a young apprentice. (The apprentice used the chef's techniques to win.)
"to best someone" (active form): to defeat or outdo someone.
- She bested him in the debate with clear arguments. (She outperformed him.)
Variants and Related Words
Best (verb): to defeat or outdo someone.
- He bested all his rivals in the race. (He defeated them.)
Best (adjective): of the most excellent quality.
- This is the best cake I have ever eaten. (The highest quality.)
Bested (past participle): used in perfect tenses.
- They have been bested many times before. (They have been defeated.)
Synonyms
- Defeated: beaten or overcome in a contest.
- Outdone: surpassed or performed better than.
- Surpassed: exceeded in performance or quality.
- Overcome: successfully dealt with or conquered.
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs
- Bested by a hair: to be defeated by a very small margin.
- He was bested by a hair in the final sprint. (He lost by a tiny distance.)
Related Idioms
Come off second best: to be defeated or outdone.
- In the argument, she came off second best. (She was defeated in the debate.)
Best the odds: to succeed despite unfavourable conditions.
- The small company bested the odds and became a market leader. (They succeeded against expectations.)