Surpass Meaning and Definition
Surpass
Pronunciation
/ˈsʌrpəs/
Part of Speech
Verb
Definition
To exceed or go beyond a limit, standard, or expectation; to perform or achieve something better than others or better than before.
Examples
- The new employee’s exceptional skills allowed her to surpass her colleagues.
- The team’s hard work and dedication helped them surpass their opponents in the competition.
Synonyms
- Exceed
- Overtake
- Surmount
Antonyms
- Fall short
- Fail
- Lag behind
Etymology
The word “surpass” comes from the Old French phrase “surpasser,” meaning “to exceed” or “to transcend,” which is derived from the Latin “super,” meaning “above,” and “passare,” meaning “to pass.” It has been used in the English language since the 15th century.
Usage Notes
Surpass is often used in phrases such as “surpass expectations” or “surpass standards,” implying a level of achievement or performance that exceeds what is normal or expected.
Cultural References
Surpass has been used in popular culture, such as in the title of the 1995 film “Surpass Fear,” and in the lyrics of songs like “Surpass the Stars” by the band Evanescence.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- Take it to the next level and surpass your goals
- Surpass expectations
- Surpass the competition
Related Words or Phrases
- Exceed
- Overtake
- Surmount
Collocations
- Surpass the limit
- Surpass your goals
- Surpass the competition
Frequency of Use
Surpass is a relatively common verb in modern English, with a frequency of use that is comparable to other verbs like “exceed” and “overtake.”
Common Misspellings
- Surpasss
- Surpas
- Surpasst