Showing Results for "surpassing"

See Also:

• present participle of surpass.

surpassing

American  

[ser-pas-ing, -pah-sing] / sərˈpæs ɪŋ, -ˈpɑ sɪŋ /

adjective

1. of a large amount or high degree; exceeding, excelling, or extraordinary.

   structures of surpassing magnificence.

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adverb

1. in a surpassing manner; extraordinarily.

surpassing British  

/ sɜːˈpɑːsɪŋ /

adjective

1. exceptional; extraordinary

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adverb

1. obsolete (intensifier)

   surpassing fair

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• surpassingly
  adverb

Etymology

Origin of surpassing

First recorded in 1570–80; surpass + -ing ²

Explanation

Something that's surpassing is exceptional or outstanding — much better or more than usual. A scene of surpassing hilarity in a movie might make you laugh until tears run down your face. The adjective surpassing is a bit old fashioned, and you're most likely to read it in a novel or poem. Its most common use is in the phrase "surpassing beauty," or exceptional beauty. A poet might reflect on the surpassing beauty of the sunset over the ocean, for example. To surpass is to "go beyond," from the prefix sur-, "beyond," and the Old French verb passer, "to go by."

Related Words

• catchy
• decisive
• enduring
• eventful
• extraordinary
• famous
• great
• historic
• important
• impressive
• indelible
• interesting
• meaningful
• momentous
• monumental
• notable
• remarkable
• terrific
• unforgettable