outpace
UK[ˌaʊtˈpeɪs]US[ˌaʊtˈpeɪs]
v
to go, rise, or improve faster than someone or something else.
v
to run or move faster than someone or something.
Morpheme Breakdown
out
pace
out
beyond, surpassing
pace
speed, rate
Etymology
the verb 'outpace' is a transparent english compound formed from the native prefix 'out-' and the noun 'pace', which entered english via old french from latin. the prefix 'out-', with its old english origins in spatial concepts of exteriority, evolved to convey figurative meanings of exceeding or surpassing a norm. the core element 'pace' derives from the latin 'passus', a measure of distance based on a step, which broadened to signify speed or rate of progress. thus, the literal construction "to surpass in pace" logically yields the modern sense of moving or progressing faster than another.
Analysis
Structure: out (beyond, surpassing) + pace (speed, rate)
out: from old english ūt, meaning "out, outside, beyond"; functions as an intensifying or comparative prefix indicating excess or surpassing.
pace: from latin passus, meaning "a step, stride, pace"; functions as the core noun/verb root denoting speed or rate of movement.
Examples
the company's research spending continues to outpace its competitors.
demand for the new product has far outpaced initial supply forecasts.
the cheetah can easily outpace most other land animals over short distances.