superō
The English phrase 'surpass' can be translated into Latin as superō or praecellō.
Meaning: to exceed (verb)
Ways to say it
| Latin |
|---|
| superō |
| praecellō |
Both terms are used to express exceeding something, but they carry different nuances depending on the context of the excellence being described.
What does it mean word for word?
The form superō is a first-person singular present indicative active verb. The prefix 'super-' implies 'above' or 'over', meaning 'I surpass' or 'I go over'.
Which one should you use?
While both words mean to surpass, superō often carries a sense of physically going over or overcoming an obstacle. In contrast, praecellō is used more specifically for surpassing others in quality, merit or excellence. Use praecellō when the context is about being better than others in a competition or in terms of skill and virtue.
How does it change in a sentence?
The infinitive form of praecellō is praecellere.
Did you know?
- The word superō can mean 'I surpass' in a contest but also 'I conquer' or 'I overcome' in a military sense. In Latin, the act of exceeding an opponent's power is linguistically identical to defeating them in battle.
- In Latin, the verb praecellō is built from 'prae', meaning 'before', and 'cellō', which is related to the idea of 'springing up' or 'leaping'.
- Latin distinguishes between surpassing by merit (praecellō) and surpassing by position or number (superō), a distinction that English usually merges into the single word 'surpass'.
Examples in context
- Ille superat omnes.He surpasses all others
- Eius ingenium præstat ceteris.His talent surpasses everyone else's
- Ille omnium expectationes prævenit.He surpasses all expectations
- Celeritatem eorum superō.I exceed their speed.
Example conversation
Claudia and Marcus are discussing their studies.
- ClaudiaIn studiīs tē superō.I surpass you in my studies.
- MarcusNon credō, Claudia.I do not believe that, Claudia.
- ClaudiaVerum est, Marce.It is true, Marcus.
- MarcusTunc me docē.Then teach me.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “surpass” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
