Definition

1. Verb:
   • To continue to exist, function, or be usable for a longer period than something or someone else; to endure beyond.
   • To live longer than another person.

Usage

The verb "outlast" is used to compare the duration of two things, indicating that the subject persists or survives longer than the object. It is typically followed by a direct object (the person or thing being outlasted). It is often used in contexts of survival, durability, and competition.

Examples

• Verb:
  • The ancient oak tree outlasted all the other trees in the forest.
  • Her reputation for integrity outlasted the political scandal.
  • He managed to outlast his opponent in the marathon, winning in the final stretch.

Advanced Usage

• "to outlast something/someone by [period of time]": To survive or endure for a specified additional time.
  • The original paint on the house outlasted the new paint by a decade.
• Used in passive constructions (though less common).
  • The old traditions were outlasted by modern customs.

Variants and Related Words

• Outlive (verb): A close synonym, often used interchangeably with "outlast," though "outlive" is more commonly used for living beings and "outlast" for both living beings and inanimate objects.
  • She outlived her siblings.
• Survive (verb): To continue to live or exist, especially in spite of danger or hardship. It has a broader application than "outlast."
  • Few buildings survived the earthquake.
• Endure (verb): To suffer patiently or to last over a long period.
  • Their friendship endured for fifty years.

Synonyms

• Outlive
• Survive
• Outwear
• Persist beyond

Antonyms

• Predecease: To die before (another person).
• Succumb: To fail to resist pressure, temptation, or illness; to die.
• Fail before

Related Phrases and Idioms

• "Outlast its usefulness": To continue to exist after it is no longer practical or effective.
  • The old law had long outlasted its usefulness and needed reform.
• "Outlast the competition": To remain in business or active longer than rival companies or opponents.
  • Their company's focus on quality helped them outlast the competition.

Verb

1. live longer than
   • She outlived her husband by many years