'outpaced' originates from the prefix 'out-' meaning 'beyond' and the verb 'pace' meaning 'to walk or move at a steady speed'.

'outpace' changed from the Old English word 'pæcan' meaning 'to step' and eventually became the modern English word 'outpace'.

Initially, it meant 'to move beyond a certain pace', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to surpass in speed or performance'.