Pronunciation: [a͡ʊtwˈɪtɪd] (IPA) 
The word "outwitted" is spelled as /ˌaʊtˈwɪtɪd/. This word is a past tense form of the verb "outwit", which means to outsmart or to defeat someone in a clever way. The spelling of "outwitted" follows the regular pattern of adding "-ed" to the end of the base form of the verb to indicate the past tense. The "ou" sound is pronounced like the "ow" in "cow", while the "i" sound is pronounced like the "i" in "bit".
Outwitted is a verb that refers to the act of cleverly defeating or surpassing someone in a contest of wits or intelligence. It describes the act of using one's mental abilities to outsmart or outmaneuver someone else, resulting in gaining an advantage or achieving a desired outcome.
When someone is outwitted, they have been outsmarted, deceived, or manipulated in a way that they did not anticipate or could not counter. This term implies an element of surprise or a level of strategic planning that allowed the victor to gain the upper hand. It often involves the use of cunning, quick thinking, or a keen understanding of the situation or the opponent's weaknesses.
Outwitted can be applied in various contexts, ranging from personal relationships to competitive situations. For instance, in a board game, one player might employ tactics that deceive an opponent, causing them to make mistakes or take actions that ultimately result in their defeat. Similarly, in a business negotiation, someone might use clever strategies or unexpected approaches to gain an advantage over their counterparts.
Overall, to be outwitted implies being outmatched mentally and outmaneuvered by someone who possesses superior intelligence, strategic thinking, or cunning ability. It exemplifies the triumph of ingenuity and cleverness over the opponent's expectations or anticipated actions.
The word "outwitted" is derived from the combination of two separate words, "out" and "witted".
The word "out" has its roots in Old English, where it was spelled as "ūt". It signifies movement away from something or someone, indicating a sense of being exterior, beyond, or surpassing a certain limit or boundary.
The term "witted" originates from the Middle English word "witen", which means "to know" or "to understand". It is related to the Old English word "witan", which shares a similar meaning.
When the two words are combined, "outwitted" conveys the idea of using superior intelligence, cunning, or knowledge to surpass or defeat an opponent, often by outsmarting them.
