surpass - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
surpass Word Meanings
- to go beyond in achievement or quality
- to exceed or be greater than something
- to outdo or outperform
surpass Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
surpass Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/səˈpɑːs/
US
/sərˈpæs/
surpass Word Etymology
sur- = over, pass = to go. Origin: Latin (super) → Old French (surpasser) → English. Imagine a person soaring over a finish line, achieving far beyond what was expected.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
Surpass is a verb that means to go beyond what was expected or required. It can describe achieving more than a goal, performing better than a rival, or qualities that exceed a standard. You might surpass a record, surpass expectations, or surpass your own previous performance. The nuance often implies active effort and measurable progress, rather than simply existing beyond a threshold. In usage, you can say someone surpassed the competition, or a team surpassed last year's total. Etymology can help remember: sur- means over and pass means to go, tracing back to Latin super and Old French surpasser, then English.
Usage Reminders
- Use surpass for outperforming or beating a target or competitor.
- Pair with a concrete object: surpass a record, surpass expectations, surpass your previous best.
- Usually active: the subject actively improves to surpass.
- Avoid using with abstract feel-only thresholds.
- Remember its etymology to recall the core idea: over + go.
Common Misconceptions
- Surpass is always interchangeable with exceed; in many contexts, surpass emphasizes beating a competitor or a record.
- It only describes numerical growth; you can also surpass quality or performance.
- It must involve effort; something can surpass thresholds without deliberate striving.
- It is formal; in casual speech you might say outdo or beat.
- It cannot be used with abstract feelings or emotions.
Thinking Differences
English speakers often distinguish surpass from exceed and outdo; surpass frequently implies beating a rival or a benchmark and is common in sports, business, and performance contexts. Learners sometimes use surpass when there is no clear comparator, which can sound odd.
Learning Tips
- Learn common collocations: surpass a record, surpass expectations, surpass your best.
- Differentiate from exceed (competition vs. general growth).
- Practice with sports and business contexts to see who/what is being surpassed.
- Note the passive vs active usage: usually active about improving.
- Remember etymology: over + go helps recall the idea.
- Listen for 'by' + amount in sentences like 'surpass by two seconds'.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of 'surpass'?
A.To meet expectations
B.To exceed
C.To fail
D.To match
Step 2: Usage
Which sentence uses 'surpass' correctly?
A.The quality of their work did not surpass the standards.
B.She could never surpass her brother in height.
C.They will surpass the deadline for the project.
D.He barely surpassed his previous score on the exam.
Step 3: Similar Words
Choose the synonym for 'surpass':
A.Equal
B.Fall short
C.Exceed
D.Match
Step 4: Opposite Words
Choose the opposite of 'surpass':
A.Exceed
B.Equal
C.Fail
D.Meet
Step 5: Mastery
In what real-life scenario would someone surpass expectations?
A.Getting a perfect score on a test
B.Exceeding the sales target for the quarter
C.Being late for an important meeting
D.Finishing a project after the deadline
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