Words / B2

owt-NUMB-uh/ˌaʊtˈnʌmbə/

To outnumber is to be greater in number than someone or something: outnumber the staff; far outnumbered. Exceed is wider (amount, not only count). Protestors outnumbered stewards at the gate. Mix-up: number / numerous. Do not write outnumber for a higher percentage without counts.

Meaning

To be greater in number than someone or something.

Examples

• “Protestors outnumbered stewards at the gate, the log said.”
• “Absences outnumbered sittings in that option group, which is the headcount sense.”

Good to know

outnumber + group; far / easily outnumbered. Wider: exceed. Trap: numerous. News, history, and registers. More people (or items), not a bigger share without n.

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