Outdo
/ˌaʊtˈduː/
Definitions
To be or do something better or more successfully than someone or something else.
/ˌaʊtˈduː/
To surpass or excel someone or something.
She always tries to outdo her previous record.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're playing a game and you score more points than anyone else. When you win, you *outdo* them! You did better.
👶 For kids: To do something better than someone else.
More Examples
The new restaurant managed to outdo its competitors with its innovative menu.
They worked hard to outdo the previous year's fundraising efforts.
How It's Used
"The younger brother always tries to outdo his older sibling in sports."
"The new marketing campaign aimed to outdo the competition's sales figures."
From Middle English *utdon*, from Old English *ūt(t)dōn* ('to put out, surpass'), from *ūt* ('out') + *dōn* ('to do').
The word 'outdo' has been used in English since at least the 14th century, initially appearing in religious texts and later in various forms of literature and daily conversation.
Memory tip
Think of 'out' and 'do'. You do something *out* of the ordinary; you *outdo* others.
Word Origin
"to surpass, excel"