defeated me

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "defeated me" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that someone has overcome or bested you in a competition, argument, or challenge. Example: "In the final round of the chess tournament, my opponent's strategy completely defeated me."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Months after the deaths, Blickhahn told me, "They defeated me").

The New Yorker

"Instead, with the anti-incumbent mood, they defeated me". Bates' own post-election polling suggested that his vote for a hefty congressional pay raise--a subject on which Cunningham excoriated him in their campaign--was a more significant factor in his 46%-45% defeat than the sexual harassment issue.

Los Angeles Times

One passage defeated me.

The Guardian - Books

"They've finally defeated me.

The New York Times

You have not defeated me.

The Washington Post

"The language defeated me," she said.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

It will not defeat me".

The New Yorker

The thought defeats me.

The Guardian

It defeats me," she says.

The Guardian

They reason about how best to defeat me.

Yale University

2 Any bird can defeat me at song.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "defeated me" when you want to express that someone or something has overcome you in a specific instance, whether it's a personal challenge, a game, or an argument. It clearly indicates a loss from your perspective.

Common error

While "defeated me" is acceptable, avoid using it excessively in formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise language that specifies the nature of the defeat, such as "invalidated my hypothesis" or "outperformed me in the analysis".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "defeated me" functions as a verb phrase indicating that the subject has been overcome or beaten by someone or something. Ludwig AI examples show its usage across various contexts, from personal struggles to competitive scenarios, affirming its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Wiki

8%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "defeated me" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that one has been overcome or bested, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It is used in various contexts, particularly in news and media, and carries a neutral to slightly informal tone. While alternatives like "overcame me" or "bested me" exist for more formal situations, "defeated me" remains a versatile and readily understood expression for acknowledging loss or failure in diverse scenarios. Understanding the nuance and context allows for precise communication, making your writing both accurate and impactful.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

overcame me

This alternative suggests a more general sense of being surpassed or overpowered.

beat me

A more direct and common way to express defeat, especially in competitive scenarios.

bested me

A slightly more formal way of saying 'beat me', often used in contexts of skill or competition.

vanquished me

Implies a more decisive and thorough defeat, often used in a dramatic or historical context.

trounced me

This suggests a thorough and decisive defeat.

conquered me

Similar to 'vanquished', but can also suggest being won over emotionally or intellectually.

crushed me

Implies a devastating defeat, often with emotional or psychological impact.

got the better of me

Suggests that someone or something gained an advantage, leading to a negative outcome for the speaker.

outmatched me

Implies that the opponent was superior in skill or resources.

gained victory over me

Formal way of saying someone has won over me

FAQs

How can I use "defeated me" in a sentence?

You can use "defeated me" to describe losing a competition, argument, or personal struggle. For example, "The complexity of the problem ultimately "defeated me"", or "My opponent's strategy "defeated me" in the final round".

What's a more formal alternative to "defeated me"?

In more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "overcame me", "bested me", or "proved superior to me". These options convey a similar meaning with a more sophisticated tone.

Is it correct to say "the challenge defeated me"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. Saying "the challenge "defeated me"" implies that the challenge was too difficult for you to overcome. You can also say "I was "defeated by" the challenge".

Which is correct, "defeated me" or "beat me"?

Both ""defeated me"" and "beat me" are correct, but they have slightly different connotations. "Defeated me" is generally more formal and can apply to a wider range of situations, while "beat me" is more informal and often used in competitive contexts.