outlast
UK[ˌaʊtˈlɑːst]US[ˌaʊtˈlæst]
v
To last longer than someone or something else; to endure longer.
v
To live, exist, or remain active for a longer time than.
Morpheme Breakdown
out
last
out
beyond, surpassing
last
endure
Etymology
The word 'outlast' is a transparent English compound formed from two native Germanic elements. The prefix 'out-' derives from the Old English adverb 'ūt', which in a comparative context came to mean "further, beyond, more than". The verb 'last' originates from Old English 'lǣstan', meaning "to follow, perform, endure", which itself evolved from the notion of following a track or course to its end. When combined in the late 16th century, the literal construction "to out-endure" or "to endure beyond (another)" created a verb perfectly capturing the concept of surpassing in duration. This logical compounding reflects a common pattern in English where the native prefix 'out-' is attached to verbs to indicate exceeding or surpassing in the action denoted by the root.
Analysis
Structure: out (beyond, surpassing) + last (endure)
- out: Old English 'ūt', meaning "out, outside, beyond". In this compound, it functions as an intensifying or comparative prefix meaning "to a greater extent" or "surpassing".
- last: Old English 'lǣstan', meaning "to follow a track, perform, endure, continue". In this word, it functions as the verb root meaning "to endure, remain, continue".
Examples
The ancient oak tree is expected to outlast the surrounding buildings.
Her patience finally outlasted his stubbornness.
This brand of battery is designed to outlast all its competitors.