verb / noun
best
BEST/best/
Surpassing all others in quality or performance.
The man bests his opponent as she tips her king.
Etymology
The adjective describing the highest quality or standing became a verb for gaining superiority over someone. To best opponents is to get the advantage over them—to outdo or defeat them.
More examples
- She brings out the best in her students.
- Our relay team bested the previous record.
- He gives his best to every performance.
Forms
best · bests · bested · besting
Similar words
- outdo
- Emphasizes achieving more than a competitor or earlier effort.
- defeat
- Emphasizes winning a contest against an opponent.