Definitions and Examples of outdo, surpass, excel
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
To do better than someone or something else in a particular activity or competition.
Example
She always tries to outdo her colleagues by working harder and achieving better results.
To exceed or go beyond someone or something in quality, quantity, or achievement.
Example
His talent and hard work allowed him to surpass his peers and become the best in his field.
To be exceptionally good at something; to perform at a high level of skill or achievement.
Example
She has always had a natural talent for music and was able to excel in playing the piano from a young age.
Key Differences: outdo vs surpass vs excel
- 1Outdo implies a sense of competition and striving to do better than someone else.
- 2Surpass suggests going beyond what is expected or achieving a higher level of excellence.
- 3Excel emphasizes exceptional skill or talent in a particular area.
Effective Usage of outdo, surpass, excel
- 1Sports and Games: Use outdo to describe winning a competition or beating an opponent.
- 2Academic and Professional Settings: Use surpass to describe exceeding expectations or achieving a higher level of success.
- 3Personal Achievements: Use excel to describe exceptional skill or talent in a particular area.
Remember this!
The antonyms outdo, surpass, and excel convey the idea of doing better than someone or something else, often in a competitive context. They have distinct nuances: Outdo implies competition, surpass suggests going beyond expectations, and excel emphasizes exceptional skill or talent. Use these words in sports and games, academic and professional settings, and personal achievements to describe success and achievement.
