outsmarted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "outsmarted" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a situation where someone has been cleverer or more cunning than another person, often in a competitive context. Example: "In the final round of the game, she outsmarted her opponent with a brilliant strategy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The journalist, unwilling to be outsmarted, asked her to spell the name.

The Guardian

But evidence before the court suggests a world of harried analysts being outsmarted by spivvy bankers.

The Economist

Not to be outsmarted, on November 16th the government extended price controls to practically everything, from typewriters to babies' nappies.Some things have to be imported, however, and it is hard to prevent foreigners from profiteering.

The Economist

He is gawky, has an adenoidal voice and as he has rather sweetly acknowledged looks a bit like Wallace, an Oscar-winning animated character fond of knitted pullovers, cheese and tea, and regularly outsmarted by his dog, Gromit.It should not matter, of course.

The Economist

How on earth were such folk outsmarted by a provincial hick best known for its Ski-Doos and Sea-Doos?The answer has much to do with Bombardier's 59-year-old boss, Laurent Beaudoin, whose family owns more than 60% of the firm's voting shares.

The Economist

Either way over the past decade the cult has grown rapidly.In this section Halted in mid-debate Outsmarted by Sinaloa Death in holy orders Don't look back The reserves, or your job Reprints Related items Organised crime in Mexico: Outsmarted by SinaloaJan 7th 2010Mexico has a rich syncretic tradition.

The Economist

He refused, saying he would serve until his term ends in September.In this section Halted in mid-debate Outsmarted by Sinaloa Death in holy orders Don't look back The reserves, or your job Reprints Related items Argentina's debt negotiations: Settling upOct 29th 2009"It wasn't Redrado who accumulated the reserves," said Aníbal Fernandez, the cabinet chief (who is not related to the president).

The Economist

The second tale relates how he conquered the Thunderbird Anzu with Enki's help but missed the powers it had stolen from him, and how, resentful at this, he plotted against Enki but was outsmarted and trapped.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But no one better embodies this change than the freshman Texas senator Ted Cruz, who seems unable to stop talking, although the Senate Majority Leader, Mitch McConnell, recently outsmarted him, as Politico's Burgess Everett put it, by effectively putting him in party "quarantine".

The New Yorker

He became, for us, a thing to be avoided, outsmarted, and exploited.

The New Yorker

But the designers of the park had outsmarted him, softened him up with flamingos, like a casual round of cigarette burns to the rib cage, preceding a waterboarding.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "outsmarted", ensure the context clearly indicates a mental or strategic advantage, not just physical dominance. It's about clever thinking prevailing.

Common error

Avoid using "outsmarted" when describing physical feats or situations where physical prowess is the primary factor. For example, instead of saying "The athlete outsmarted the obstacle course", consider using "navigated" or "conquered".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "outsmarted" is as the past tense and past participle of the verb 'outsmart'. According to Ludwig, it signifies the action of surpassing someone in cleverness or intelligence. Examples show it used to describe strategic victories and cunning actions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

6%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "outsmarted" functions as a verb form used to describe the act of defeating someone through superior intelligence or cunning. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage, particularly in news and media. While generally neutral in register, it's crucial to ensure the context appropriately reflects a mental rather than a physical advantage. Common errors include misusing it in contexts where physical ability is paramount. Alternatives such as "outwitted" and "outmaneuvered" offer nuanced variations depending on the specific shade of meaning you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

outwitted

Synonymous with "outsmarted", but carries a slightly more whimsical or playful connotation.

outfoxed

Suggests deception and trickery were involved in gaining the upper hand.

outmaneuvered

Focuses on strategic positioning and tactical advantage rather than pure intellect.

outplayed

Specifically refers to performing better in a game or competition.

bested

Implies a clear victory in a competition or contest of some kind.

got the better of

A more general phrase that implies gaining an advantage in some way.

tricked

Highlights the use of deception to gain an advantage.

one-upped

Implies a competitive attempt to surpass someone in a specific instance.

duped

Implies that the person being "outsmarted" was easily fooled or gullible.

outdone

A broader term suggesting simply being surpassed or exceeded in achievement.

FAQs

How can I use "outsmarted" in a sentence?

"Outsmarted" is generally used to describe someone who has been defeated or gained an advantage over by cleverness or cunning. For example, "The chess player "outsmarted" their opponent with a surprising move."

What can I say instead of "outsmarted"?

You can use alternatives like "outwitted", "outmaneuvered", or "outfoxed" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "outsmarted" in formal writing?

Yes, "outsmarted" is suitable for both formal and informal writing, although in highly formal contexts, alternatives like "outmaneuvered" might be preferred for their slightly more sophisticated tone.

What is the difference between "outsmarted" and "tricked"?

While both involve gaining an advantage over someone, "outsmarted" implies cleverness and strategic thinking, whereas "tricked" suggests the use of deception or lies.