verb · A2

Beat

BEET/biːt/

Beat can mean win against someone: they beat us 2–1. It also means hit again and again, or a musical rhythm: the beat of the song. The past is often beat (not beated). Win is take first place; beat needs an opponent.

Meaning

To win against someone, or to hit something with a regular rhythm.

Examples

“Our team beat them three to one.”
“Which team did you beat in the final?”
“I could feel my heart beat faster.”

Good to know

beat a team (win against). Past often beat. Mix-up: win (no object needed).

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