outdo
UK[ˌaʊtˈduː]US[ˌaʊtˈduː]
v
to do better than someone else; to surpass.
Morpheme Breakdown
out
do
out
beyond
do
perform
Etymology
the word 'outdo' is a transparent compound formed from two native english elements. the prefix 'out-' derives from old english 'ūt', carrying the sense of 'beyond' or 'to a greater degree'. it is combined with the verb 'do', from old english 'dōn', meaning 'to perform or execute'. the literal construction 'to do beyond' logically evolved into the modern abstract meaning of surpassing or excelling over another in performance. this pattern of using 'out-' as an intensifying or comparative prefix is a productive feature in english, seen in other verbs like 'outrun' and 'outlast'.
Analysis
Structure: out (beyond) + do (perform)
- out: old english origin, from 'ūt', meaning 'out, outside, beyond'. functions as a prefix indicating surpassing or exceeding.
- do: old english origin, from 'dōn', meaning 'to perform, act, execute'. functions as the verb root.
Examples
she always tries to outdo her colleagues in sales figures.
the chef managed to outdo himself with the exquisite presentation of the dessert.
each generation seeks to outdo the previous one in technological innovation.