What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
outstrip
Example
Her talent as a singer outstrips her peers. [outstrips: verb]
Example
The company's profits have outstripped their competitors this quarter. [outstripped: past tense]
overtake
Example
The race car driver overtook his opponent on the final lap. [overtake: verb]
Example
The new technology has overtaken the old system in terms of efficiency. [overtaken: past participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Overtake is more commonly used than outstrip in everyday language. Overtake is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while outstrip is less common and refers to a specific type of superiority or success.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between outstrip and overtake?
Both outstrip and overtake are formal words that are appropriate for use in academic or professional contexts.
