Word: outstrip (verb)

Associations

"Outstrip" means to go faster or be better than someone or something else. It is often used when comparing speed, success, or performance.

• The runner outstripped all his competitors in the race. (He was faster than everyone else.)
• Our sales this year outstrip last year's figures. (Our sales are better than last year's.)
• The new technology outstrips the old one in efficiency. (It is more efficient than the old technology.)

A similar word is "surpass." The difference is that "outstrip" often suggests moving ahead or being faster, while "surpass" means to be better or greater in quality or quantity but not necessarily faster.

Substitution

You can use words like "outpace," "exceed," or "surpass" depending on the context.

• "Outpace" is close in meaning and often used for speed or progress.
• "Exceed" means to go beyond a limit or expectation.
• "Surpass" means to be better or greater.

For example:

• She outpaced all other runners. (similar to outstrip)
• The profits exceeded our predictions. (focus on going beyond a limit)
• His skills surpass those of his peers. (focus on being better)

Deconstruction

"Outstrip" is made of two parts:

• "Out-" means "beyond" or "more than."
• "Strip" here comes from an old meaning related to "strip ahead" or "move ahead."

Together, "outstrip" means to move ahead of or go beyond someone or something.

Inquiry

• Can you think of a situation where you outstrip someone or something?
• How is "outstrip" different from just being better? Does it always mean being faster or can it mean something else?
• Can "outstrip" be used for things other than speed, like ideas or achievements? How?