Phrasal verbs "beat off" vs "beat out"

Differences between beat off and beat out

Beat off usually means to fight or defend oneself against someone or something, while beat out generally means to win a competition or race.

Meanings and Definitions: beat off vs beat out

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Beat off

• 1. To fight off or repel.

  He had to beat the dogs off with a stick.

• 2. To successfully defend against or repel.

  efforts to beat off their rivals

Beat out

• 1. Narrowly win in competition.

  The marathon runner barely BEAT OUT his rival at the tape.

Usage Examples: beat off, beat out in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

beat off

Example

The soldiers managed to beat off the enemy attack.

Example

She beats off the competition with her excellent skills.

beat out

Example

She managed to beat out her competitor in the final round.

Example

He beats out his rival in every race they compete in.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Beat off

ward off

To protect oneself from someone or something by pushing them away or keeping them at a distance.

Example

She used pepper spray to ward off the attacker and ran to safety.

fend off

To defend oneself against an attack or criticism.

Example

He had to fend off rumors about his personal life during the election campaign.

repel

To drive back or keep away someone or something by force.

Example

The army was able to repel the enemy's attack and secure the border.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Beat out

win over

To persuade or convince someone to support or choose you over others.

Example

She was able to win over the investors with her innovative business plan.

triumph over

To achieve victory or success over someone or something.

Example

The team was able to triumph over their rivals in the championship game.

come out on top

To be the winner or most successful in a competition or situation.

Example

Despite facing tough challenges, she was able to come out on top and secure the promotion.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “beat”

• beat up
• beat down
• beat out
• beat up on

Phrasal Verbs with “off”

• bounce off
• laugh off
• lay off
• scare off
• slope off

Phrasal Verbs with “out”

• zero out
• root out
• take out
• seek out
• bed out

Differences in beat off vs beat out: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: beat off or beat out?

In daily conversation, people use beat out more often than beat off. This is because beat out is used for more common situations such as sports or job interviews. Beat off is not used as much. It's mainly used in specific contexts such as self-defense or warding off animals. So, while both phrases are used, beat out is more common in everyday conversation.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of beat off and beat out

Beat off and beat out are informal phrases often used in casual conversations. They are suitable for everyday interactions with friends and family. In more formal settings like business or academic contexts, using alternative expressions can convey a more polished tone.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of beat off and beat out

The tone of beat off and beat out can differ based on context. Beat off often carries a defensive or aggressive tone when related to fighting or repelling, while beat out typically has an excited and victorious tone, especially when referring to winning a competition or race.

beat off & beat out: Synonyms and Antonyms

Beat off

Synonyms

• repel
• fend off
• resist
• fight off
• ward off
• defend against
• drive away
• push back

Antonyms

• surrender
• submit
• yield
• accept
• welcome
• allow
• give in
• embrace

Beat out

Synonyms

• defeat
• surpass
• outdo
• outperform
• outstrip
• eclipse
• best
• edge out
• prevail over
• win against

Antonyms

• lose to
• be defeated by
• succumb to
• yield to
• submit to
• be beaten by
• fall to
• give in to