outwit
/aut'wind/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Verb:
- To defeat, overcome, or gain an advantage over someone by using superior intelligence, cleverness, or cunning. It involves using one's wits to outsmart an opponent.
Usage
The verb outwit is transitive and requires a direct object (the person or group being outsmarted). It is used to describe a strategic victory of intellect over an opponent, often in a competitive situation, conflict, or game of strategy. The action is typically premeditated and clever.
Examples
- Verb:
- The small, clever hero managed to outwit the giant.
- In the chess match, she outwitted her experienced opponent with an unexpected move.
- The spy used a clever disguise to outwit the guards.
Advanced Usage
- "to outwit someone at their own game": To defeat someone using the very methods or in the very area in which they are considered skilled.
- The young entrepreneur outwitted the corporate giants at their own game.
Variants and Related Words
- Outfox (verb): A close synonym, specifically meaning to outwit through cunning, like a fox.
- Outsmart (verb): A more general synonym meaning to be smarter than.
- Outmaneuver (verb): To gain an advantage through superior strategy or movement, often overlapping with outwit in tactical contexts.
Synonyms
- Outsmart
- Outfox
- Outthink
- Outmaneuver (in a strategic sense)
- Trick
- Beguile
Related Phrasal Verbs/Constructions
(Note: "Outwit" itself does not form standard phrasal verbs. Its meaning is contained in the single word.)
Related Idioms
- "A battle of wits": A situation where people try to defeat each other using intelligence. Outwit is the verb describing the winning action in such a battle.
- The negotiation turned into a battle of wits, which she ultimately won by outwitting her counterpart.
Verb
- beat through cleverness and wit
- I beat the traffic
- She outfoxed her competitors