Definition

1. Verb (transitive):
   • To surpass in performance or achievement: To do something better than someone else or than a previous standard.
   • To exceed in amount or degree: To go beyond a certain limit or expectation.

Usage and Examples

• General Usage: The verb "outdo" is used to describe the act of performing better than another person, group, or one's own past performance. It often implies a sense of competition or comparison.

  • She always tries to outdo her colleagues in sales.
  • This year's festival aimed to outdo last year's event in every way.

• With a Direct Object: "Outdo" typically requires a direct object (the person or thing being surpassed).

  • The new model outdoes the old one in fuel efficiency.
  • He was determined to outdo his previous record.

Advanced Usage and Nuances

• "to outdo oneself": To perform or achieve at a level higher than one has ever done before; to make an extraordinary effort.
  • The chef really outdid herself with the wedding cake; it was magnificent.
  • For the charity gala, the organizers outdid themselves to create an unforgettable evening.

Variants and Related Words

• Outdid: Simple past tense of "outdo".
  • They outdid all their rivals in the final round.
• Outdone: Past participle of "outdo".
  • He has never been outdone in a game of chess.
• Outdoing: Present participle/gerund of "outdo".
  • She is constantly outdoing everyone in the department.

Synonyms

• Surpass: To go beyond in amount, quality, or degree.
• Exceed: To be greater than a number or amount; to go beyond the limits of.
• Outperform: To perform better than.
• Top: To be higher than; to surpass.
• Beat: To defeat or do better than.

Antonyms

• Lag behind: To fail to keep pace with others.
• Fall short: To fail to reach a standard or target.
• Underperform: To perform less well than expected.

Idiomatic Expressions

• "Outdo someone at their own game": To defeat or surpass someone using their own methods or in their area of expertise.
  • The young entrepreneur managed to outdo the established company at its own game.
• "Hard to outdo": Very difficult to surpass or beat.
  • His generosity is hard to outdo.

Verb

1. get the better of
   • the goal was to best the competition
2. be or do something to a greater degree
   • her performance surpasses that of any other student I know
   • She outdoes all other athletes
   • This exceeds all my expectations
   • This car outperforms all others in its class