outthink — to think more cleverly or strategically than someone else; to defeat someone by superior thinking
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to think more cleverly or strategically than someone else; to defeat someone by superior thinking
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˌaʊtˈθɪŋk/
Example Sentences
- The startup CEO managed to outthink tech giants by focusing on a niche market they ignored.
- My grandmother always outthinks me at card games - her poker face is legendary!
- The detective outthought the criminal by predicting his next move.
outthink
VERB[/ˌaʊtˈθɪŋk/]
to think more cleverly or strategically than someone else; to defeat someone by superior thinking
a young chess player studies the board intensely while making a decisive move with her queen. Her opponent looks confident until he realizes the trap she has set for him. The man's face changes from smugness to shock as he sees his king is now in checkmate. The girl smiles knowingly as she sits back in her chair with arms crossed. Spectators behind them point at the board and whisper about the brilliant move. someone thinking more cleverly and strategically than their opponent to achieve victory
When you think you've won, but must rethink - you've been outthought!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
Outthink is a modern English formation combining the prefix 'out-' (meaning to surpass or exceed) with the verb 'think' (to use one's mind). The word developed to mean 'to think more cleverly or strategically than someone else,' reflecting the prefix's typical function of indicating superiority or excess in action.
Breakdown
out- (to surpass, exceed) + think (to use one's mind, cogitate). The prefix 'out-' in English denotes performing an action better than or beyond another party, while 'think' retains its Germanic root meaning of mental cognition.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The startup CEO managed to outthink tech giants by focusing on a niche market they ignored.”
“My grandmother always outthinks me at card games - her poker face is legendary!”
“The detective outthought the criminal by predicting his next move.”
“I tried to outthink the GPS navigation, but ended up lost in the middle of nowhere.”
📚Related Words
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