Definition

1. Verb:
   • To exceed in number; to be more numerous than. It describes a situation where one group or quantity is larger than another when counted.

Usage

• The verb "outnumber" is a transitive verb. It is typically used in the structure: Group A outnumbers Group B. This means the count of members in Group A is greater than the count in Group B.
• It is commonly used in comparative contexts involving people, objects, or abstract quantities.

Examples

• Verb:
  • In many biology classes, female students outnumber male students.
  • The defending forces were heavily outnumbered by the attacking army.
  • The advantages of this plan far outnumber the disadvantages.

Advanced Usage

• "to be outnumbered": This passive construction is very common. It emphasizes the state of the group that has fewer members.
  • We realized we were completely outnumbered and decided to retreat.
• "to outnumber someone/something by X to one": A structure used to specify the ratio of the difference.
  • In the final vote, supporters outnumbered opponents by three to one.

Variants and Related Words

• Outnumbered (adj): Describing the state of being fewer in number.
  • The outnumbered team still managed to win the game.
• Outnumbering (n/gerund): The act or fact of exceeding in number.
  • The outnumbering of civilians by soldiers made the atmosphere tense.

Synonyms

• Exceed in number: To be greater in number.
• Surpass in number: To go beyond in quantity or count.

Antonyms

• Be outnumbered: To be fewer in number.
• Be fewer than: To have a smaller count.

Related Phrases

• "Sheer weight of numbers": An idiom describing a situation where victory or dominance is achieved purely because one side has many more people or things.
  • They overcame the enemy not through strategy but by sheer weight of numbers.
• "To have the numbers": To possess a numerical advantage.
  • In the parliament, the ruling party has the numbers to pass the bill.

Verb

1. be larger in number