outrace
C1/C2Formal, literary, journalistic; occasionally used in sports/economic commentary.
Definition
Meaning
to move faster than something or someone, to overtake and surpass in speed.
To surpass or exceed in any competitive or comparative sense, such as outperforming in a non-physical context (e.g., economic growth).
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a verb of competition and motion. Often implies a decisive or noticeable superiority in speed or performance. Can be used both literally (physical speed) and figuratively (e.g., technological advancement).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. The word is equally rare and formal in both varieties.
Connotations
Slightly literary in both contexts; conveys dramatic competition or race.
Frequency
Low frequency in both varieties; slightly more likely in British sports journalism (horse racing, motorsport) due to historical association.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] outrace [Object][Subject] outrace [Object] to [Destination]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific to 'outrace'.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used metaphorically: 'The new startup aims to outrace its competitors in the AI market.'
Academic
Rare; possible in economics or history: 'The nation's GDP growth outraced all predictions.'
Everyday
Uncommon; might be used in sports commentary: 'He managed to outrace the defender and score.'
Technical
Used in engineering or computing contexts for performance benchmarks: 'The new processor outraces the previous model.'
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The thoroughbred managed to outrace the favourite in the final furlong.
- Can our economy outrace the downturn threatening the continent?
American English
- The new electric truck can outrace any diesel model up a steep hill.
- Their software development cycle outraces ours by weeks.
adverb
British English
- No standard adverbial form.
American English
- No standard adverbial form.
adjective
British English
- No standard adjectival form.
American English
- No standard adjectival form.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The cheetah can outrace any other land animal.
- She outran everyone in the race.
- The new sports car is designed to outrace all its competitors on the track.
- Rumours about the scandal began to outrace the official statements.
- The company's innovation strategy allowed it to consistently outrace its market rivals.
- We must outrace the spreading wildfire if we hope to reach safety.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'out-RACE' – to perform better in a race. It's a simple compound verb: 'out' + 'race'.
Conceptual Metaphor
COMPETITION IS A RACE, PROGRESS IS A RACE (e.g., 'technology outraces regulation').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'обогнать' (overtake) which is more common and neutral. 'Outrace' implies a more decisive, often superior, victory in speed. Avoid using 'перегонять' (to outrun in a playful sense) as it lacks the competitive nuance.
Common Mistakes
- Using it as a noun (e.g., 'an outrace' – incorrect). Confusing it with 'outrage'. Using it without a direct object (needs an object).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'outrace' used most figuratively?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it's a relatively low-frequency, formal word. 'Outrun' or 'outpace' are more common in everyday speech.
No, it's a transitive verb. It requires an object (e.g., outrace someone/something).
'Outrace' emphasizes competitive speed, often in a formal or literary context. 'Outrun' is more general and common, meaning simply to run faster than.
Yes, but metaphorically. It's used in contexts like marketing, technology, or economics to describe surpassing competitors (e.g., 'outrace the competition').