Meaning & Definition of word "Outdo"

Outdo

/aʊtˈduː/

verb:

  • 1. to surpass or exceed in performance or achievement
    • Example: She always tries to outdo herself with each new project she undertakes.
  • 2. to be better than someone in a competition or contest
    • Example: He wanted to outdo his rivals in the annual baking competition.
  • 3. to show off or demonstrate superiority over someone
    • Example: In an effort to outdo his friends, he bought an even faster sports car.
  • 4. to excel or outperform another
    • Example: The new marketing strategy aims to outdo previous efforts in customer engagement.
  • 5. to achieve a greater degree of something than another
    • Example: She hoped to outdo her last performance with this new song.

Etymology

Middle English 'outdone', from 'out-' + 'do'

Common Phrases and Expressions

outdo oneself:

to perform better than one has done before

to outdo the competition:

to surpass rivals in performance or quality

Related Words

surpass:

to extend beyond the limits of something

outperform:

to perform better than others or oneself

Slang Meanings of outdo

Meaning: to show off in a competitive manner

Example Sentence: He really outdid himself with that performance.

Meaning: to one-up someone in a conversation or situation

Example Sentence: She always tries to outdo my stories with hers.