Meaning & Definition of word "Outnumber"

Outnumber

/aʊtˈnʌm.bər/

verb:

  • 1. to be greater in number than someone or something.
    • Example: In the debate, the pro-environment team outnumbered the opposition two to one.
  • 2. to exceed in number.
    • Example: Women outnumber men in many universities across the country.
  • 3. to have a larger quantity than another group.
    • Example: The wildlife population in the national park outnumbers the local human population.

Etymology

The prefix 'out-' meaning 'more than' combined with 'number', referring to counting.

Common Phrases and Expressions

outnumbered but not outmatched:

Having fewer numbers but still being competent or capable.

outnumber the competition:

To have more participants or units than competing entities.

Related Words

numerical:

pertaining to or expressed in numbers.

count:

to determine the total number of items.

Slang Meanings of outnumber

Meaning: to dominate in numbers

Example Sentence: In the debate, our side totally outnumbered them.

Meaning: to overwhelm with quantity

Example Sentence: The fans outnumbered the protesters at the rally.