Home Dictionary Ssurpassing

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surpassing

When used as an adjective, "surpassing" is quite formal and poetic. You will more often see it in literature or high-end descriptions rather than in everyday conversation. When used as a verb (the present participle of "surpass"), it is common in both formal and casual speech to describe something that is currently beating a record or exceeding a limit.

💬Casual Conversation

🎬Tuesday afternoon, David is in a high-stakes board meeting while Eleanor is at home browsing Facebook.

Eleanor Smith

DAVID YOUR COUSIN LINDA SAYS HER NEW GARDEN IS SURPASSING ALL OTHERS IN THE COUNTY.

David Smith

Mom please, I'm in a meeting. Just let it slide.

💡

Eleanor uses 'surpassing' to describe the exceptional quality of Linda's garden, reflecting her tendency to share trivial family gossip via loud, capitalized texts. David uses the phrasal verb 'let it slide' (to ignore or overlook something), showing his irritation and desire to avoid a pointless family rivalry while at work.

Meanings

adjective

Incomparable or exceptional; exceeding all others in quality or degree.

"The mountain range offered a surpassing beauty that left the hikers speechless."

verb (transitive)

To be greater than; to exceed or go beyond a certain limit, expectation, or person.

"Her latest novel is surpassing all previous sales records."

Last Updated: May 22, 2026•Report an Error