outscore
UK[ˌaʊtˈskɔː(r)]US[ˌaʊtˈskɔːr]
v
To gain more points than an opponent in a game or competition.
v
To surpass or exceed in a test, examination, or other measured activity.
Morpheme Breakdown
out
score
out
beyond, exceeding
score
to gain points
Etymology
The verb 'outscore' is a relatively modern English formation, constructed by combining the native English prefix 'out-' with the noun/verb 'score'. The prefix 'out-', deriving from the Old English adverb 'ūt', has long been used to form verbs indicating excess or superiority, as in 'outrun' or 'outlast'. The word 'score' entered English from Old Norse, originally referring to a notch cut on a tally stick to count groups of twenty. Its meaning broadened to signify keeping count, then specifically to the points earned in a game. Therefore, 'outscore' logically means to go beyond or exceed the count of points, directly linking the literal concept of surpassing a tally to the modern abstract meaning of defeating an opponent by points.
Analysis
Structure: out (beyond, exceeding) + score (to gain points)
- out: Old English 'ūt', meaning "out, outside, beyond". In this compound, it functions as a prefix indicating surpassing or exceeding.
- score: Middle English 'scor', from Old Norse 'skor', meaning "notch, tally, twenty". In this word, it functions as the base verb meaning to gain points or make a tally.
Examples
The home team managed to outscore their rivals in the final quarter.
She consistently outscores her classmates on mathematics tests.
Our new product has outsold and outscored all competitors in recent market surveys.