The word "outsmarts" is spelled as ˌaʊtˈsmɑːt͡s, with the IPA phonetic transcription representing the American English pronunciation. In this word, the "ou" combination represents the sound /aʊ/, while the "s" is pronounced as /s/ and "m" as /m/. The "t" is pronounced as /t͡s/ which is a combination of "t" and "s" sounds. Overall, this word represents the idea of being more clever or outwitting someone or something else.
Outsmarts is a verb that refers to the act of using cleverness, intelligence, or cunning to surpass or defeat someone in a mental or strategic competition. It denotes the superior ability to outwit, outthink, or outmaneuver an opponent, usually resulting in achieving a desired outcome or gaining an advantage.
When someone outsmarts another, they typically employ ingenuity, quick thinking, or superior planning to deceive or trick their adversary. This can involve anticipating their opponent's moves or intentions and formulating a counterplan to gain a competitive edge. Outsmarting someone often requires a high level of mental agility, resourcefulness, and problem-solving skills.
The term 'outsmarts' is commonly used in various contexts, such as in sports, games, business negotiations, academic competitions, or everyday social interactions. For instance, a chess player may outsmart their opponent by strategically sacrificing a piece to set up a winning position, or a job candidate may outsmart their competition by showcasing unique skills or experiences during an interview.
To successfully outsmart someone implies a level of intellectual prowess and shrewdness in using tactics or strategies that go beyond the average capabilities of the opponent. It involves leveraging knowledge, understanding the psychology of the opponent, and exploiting their weaknesses or blind spots. Outsmarting can lead to a feeling of satisfaction or accomplishment for the person who outsmarts their adversary.
The word "outsmarts" is a compound word formed by combining "out" and "smarts".
"Out" is a prefix that indicates something is happening to the fullest extent or completely surpassing an action.
"Smarts" is a noun that refers to intelligence or cleverness. It comes from the Old English word "smeart", which means "painful" or "sore". Over time, "smarts" came to be associated with mental pain or distress and eventually evolved to describe astuteness or sharp intelligence.
By combining the prefix "out" and the noun "smarts", the word "outsmarts" was formed, which means to surpass or overcome someone through cleverness or superior intelligence.