Outdone

/ˌaʊtˈdʌn/ verb

Definition

Past participle of 'outdo'; performed better than someone else, or exceeded what was expected or done before.

Etymology

From 'out-' (beyond, surpassing) combined with 'done' (past participle of 'do'). The prefix 'out-' added to many verbs creates meanings of surpassing or exceeding.

Kelly Says

English speakers use 'out-' as a prefix in hundreds of ways—outdone, outrun, outshine, outweigh—creating new verbs that mean 'do better than' by combining simple words, which is why English is so flexible and generative.

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