German word

überragen

Pronunciation

IPA/ˌyːbɐˈʁaːgən/

Meaning

  • verbtower over

Example

Der Turm überragt die Häuser.

The tower towers over the houses.

Illustration for überragen (tower over)

More examples

In puncto Innovation überragt das Start-up alle Mitbewerber.

In terms of innovation, the start-up towers over all competitors.

Core concept

A prominent structure or quality extends well beyond everything around it and immediately attracts attention through its clear lead.

Common phrases

  • überragt alle Mitbewerber

    tower over all competitors

  • überragt seine Konkurrenten

    tower over its competitors

Similar words

auffallen: Catch attention by being readily noticeable.
sich abheben: Appear clearly different from the surrounding things.
hervorstechen: Be particularly noticeable and draw the eye.
ragen: Extend noticeably upward or outward from its surroundings.

Definition in German

In der Höhe oder in einer Eigenschaft andere deutlich übertreffen und dadurch auffallen.

Word origin

The verb developed as a German compound of the inherited elements über and ragen, first describing greater height and later greater excellence or performance.

Usage tips

  • The verb normally describes a clear comparison with an object or group, so the surpassed thing is commonly named after it in the accusative case.

Other meanings

  • excelverb
  • surpassverb
  • exceedverb

Opposites

  • nachstehenfall short ofverb

Related words

Word lists with this word