surpass

Definition

To go beyond or exceed (something) in an adjudicative or literal sense.

Etymology

From Middle French surpasser (“to pass beyond”). By surface analysis, sur- + pass. Displaced native Old English oferstīgan (literally “to climb over”).

Example Sentences

• "The former problem student surpassed his instructor's expectations and scored top marks on his examination."
• "The heavy rains threatened to surpass the capabilities of the levee, endangering the town on the other side."
• "“Two or three months more went by; the public were eagerly awaiting the arrival of this semi-exotic claimant to an English peerage, and sensations, surpassing those of the Tichbourne case, were looked forward to with palpitating interest.[…]”"