surpassing

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

adjective

of a large amount or high degree; exceeding, excelling, or extraordinary: structures of surpassing magnificence.

adverb

in a surpassing manner; extraordinarily.

Origin of surpassing

First recorded in 1570–80; surpass + -ing2

OTHER WORDS FROM surpassing

sur·pass·ing·ly, adverb

Words nearby surpassing

Definition for surpassing (2 of 2)

surpass
[ ser-pas, -pahs ]
/ sərˈpæs, -ˈpɑs /

verb (used with object)

to go beyond in amount, extent, or degree; be greater than; exceed.
to go beyond in excellence or achievement; be superior to; excel: He surpassed his brother in sports.
to be beyond the range or capacity of; transcend: misery that surpasses description.

Origin of surpass

1545–55; < Middle French surpasser, equivalent to sur- sur-1 + passer to pass

OTHER WORDS FROM surpass

sur·pass·a·ble, adjective sur·pass·er, noun un·sur·pass·a·ble, adjective un·sur·passed, adjective

Example sentences from the Web for surpassing

British Dictionary definitions for surpassing (1 of 2)

surpassing
/ (sɜːˈpɑːsɪŋ) /

adjective

exceptional; extraordinary

adverb

obsolete, or poetic (intensifier) surpassing fair

Derived forms of surpassing

surpassingly, adverb

British Dictionary definitions for surpassing (2 of 2)

surpass
/ (sɜːˈpɑːs) /

verb (tr)

to be greater than in degree, extent, etc
to be superior to in achievement or excellence
to overstep the limit or range of the theory surpasses my comprehension

Derived forms of surpass

surpassable, adjective

Word Origin for surpass

C16: from French surpasser, from sur- 1 + passer to pass