What does outrunning mean?
Outrunning refers to the act of moving faster than someone or something else, often with the intention of escaping, outmaneuvering, or surpassing. This verb can be used in various contexts, including sports, chasing, or figuratively to describe exceeding expectations or limits. For instance, an athlete may be outrunning their competitors in a marathon, or a company's profits may be outrunning their expenses. The verb is often used to convey a sense of speed, competition, and achievement. Understanding the nuances of outrunning can help improve communication and expression in everyday language.
verbTo run or move faster than someone or something else, often in order to escape or outmaneuver them. This can also refer to surpassing or exceeding something.
- To run faster than someone or something.
- To exceed or surpass something.
"The police were outrunning the speeding car, but they finally managed to catch up."
"The athlete was outrunning her competitors in the marathon."
"The company's profits were outrunning their expenses."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of outrunning
The verb outrunning originated from the combination of the prefix 'out-' and the verb 'run'. The prefix 'out-' is used to indicate a movement away from or beyond something, while 'run' comes from Old English 'rinnan', meaning 'to flow, to run'. The verb outrun has been in use since the 15th century, initially meaning 'to run beyond or farther than'. Over time, its meaning expanded to include 'to outmaneuver or surpass'.
How outrunning is actually used
This verb is often used in contexts where speed and competition are involved, such as sports or chasing. It can also be used figuratively to describe exceeding or surpassing expectations or limits.