outdo
owt-DOO
Outdo (verb) means to do better than someone else; to surpass. Example: “Each sibling tried to outdo the other with more extravagant gifts.”
verb
1
To do better than someone else; to surpass.
"Each sibling tried to outdo the other with more extravagant gifts."
"The new restaurant outdoes its rivals in both taste and service."
How to use outdo
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo perform better than someone else, often in a competitive way.
Common pairings
outdo each other
outdo a rival
try to outdo
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- outdoes
- Past tense
- outdid, outdone
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Each sibling tried to _____ the other with more extravagant gifts.
Etymology
Built from "out-" (surpassing) plus "do."
Synonyms
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Frequently asked questions
What does “outdo” mean?
The word “outdo” means to do better than someone else; to surpass. In plain terms, to perform better than someone else, often in a competitive way.
How do you pronounce “outdo”?
“Outdo” is pronounced owt-DOO (/aʊtˈdu/ in IPA).
How do you use “outdo” in a sentence?
Here is “outdo” used in a sentence: “Each sibling tried to outdo the other with more extravagant gifts.”
What part of speech is “outdo”?
“Outdo” is a verb.
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