übertreffen
Translation
to surpass, to exceed, to outdo, to excel
Examples
Er will seine Konkurrenten übertreffen.
He wants to surpass his competitors.
Die Ergebnisse übertrafen alle Erwartungen.
The results exceeded all expectations.
Grammar Patterns
((sb./sth.)) to surpass sb./sth. The company wants to surpass its rivals.
Similar Words
Synonyms: überragen, übersteigen; Antonyms: unterliegen, zurückbleiben
Etymology
From 'über-' (over, beyond) and 'treffen' (to meet, to hit). Literally 'to hit beyond' or 'to go beyond meeting'.
Memory Tips
Imagine a high jumper going 'über' (over) the bar to 'treffen' (meet) a new record, thus surpassing it.