outwit
|out/wit|
B2
/aʊtˈwɪt/
defeat by cleverness
Etymology
Etymology Information
'outwit' originates from Middle English, specifically the word 'outwiten,' where 'out-' meant 'beyond' and 'witen' meant 'to know.'
Historical Evolution
'outwiten' transformed into the modern English word 'outwit' through Middle English.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'to know beyond,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to defeat by cleverness.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Verb 1
to defeat or gain an advantage over someone by being more clever or cunning.
He managed to outwit his opponents in the chess tournament.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:39