verb Uncommon

surpass

suh-PAHS

Surpass (verb) means to do better than, or go beyond, someone or something. Example: “Her second novel surpassed the success of her first.”

verb

To do better than, or go beyond, someone or something.

"Her second novel surpassed the success of her first."

"The results surpassed all our expectations."

How to use surpass

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo beat or exceed a level, standard, or expectation.

Common pairings

surpass expectations surpass all previous records

surpassed past tense, surpasses singular

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Can you complete this real example?

Her second novel _____ the success of her first.

From Middle French surpasser, from sur- ("beyond") + passer ("to pass").

Origin: Middle French

pass exceed excel outdo transcend outgo go by pass by go past outstrip outmatch surmount

go give head top clear happen die fall

What does “surpass” mean?

The word “surpass” means to do better than, or go beyond, someone or something. In plain terms, to beat or exceed a level, standard, or expectation.

How do you pronounce “surpass”?

“Surpass” is pronounced suh-PAHS (/sɚˈpæs/ in IPA).

How do you use “surpass” in a sentence?

Here is “surpass” used in a sentence: “Her second novel surpassed the success of her first.”

What part of speech is “surpass”?

“Surpass” is a verb.

Where does the word “surpass” come from?

The word “surpass” comes from Middle French. From Middle French surpasser, from sur- ("beyond") + passer ("to pass").

Is “surpass” a common word?

“Surpass” is an uncommon word in modern English.

go give head top clear happen die fall