Meaning & Definition of Outsmart in English

Detailed Definitions

• Definition: To defeat or trick someone by being more clever or sly.

  Example Sentence: She was able to outsmart her competitors by devising a clever marketing strategy.

• Definition: To gain an advantage over someone through cleverness.

  Example Sentence: He outsmarted the system to get a better deal.

Etymology

Origin: The word 'outsmart' is a combination of the prefix 'out-' meaning 'to a greater degree' and 'smart' from Middle English 'smerte' meaning 'keen' or 'intelligent'.

Synonyms

Common Phrases and Expressions

• outsmart the competition: To be more clever than your competition.
• outsmart yourself: To make a foolish mistake through your own cleverness.

Translations

• Spanish: superar en astucia

• French: déjouer

• German: überlisten

• Russian: перехитрить

Related Words

• outwit: To outsmart someone; to defeat or trick someone by cleverness.

• cunning: Having or showing skill in achieving one's ends by deceit or evasion.

Slang Meanings of outsmart

• Meaning: Pull a fast one

  Example Sentence: He really pulled a fast one on them with his clever plan.

• Meaning: Slick move

  Example Sentence: That was a slick move to outsmart your boss!