verb

superar

overcome

Lograr vencer una dificultad o problema y seguir adelante.

Definition & meaning

The verb superar is a common Spanish word that generally means to go beyond a limit, to overcome an obstacle, or to excel in comparison to something else. It is used in several contexts:

To overcome or surmount: This refers to successfully dealing with a difficulty, an obstacle, or a problem. For example, overcoming a fear or a challenge.
To exceed or surpass: This is used when a quantity, number, or limit is gone past. For instance, when a price exceeds a certain amount or a speed limit is surpassed.
To outdo or excel: This describes being better than someone or something else, or performing better than a previous record.
To get over something: In an emotional context, it means to recover from a difficult situation, such as a breakup, a loss, or an illness.

Grammar & Word origin

Grammar: Superar is a regular verb belonging to the first conjugation (verbs ending in -ar). It is a transitive verb, meaning it usually requires a direct object to complete its meaning.

Word origin: The word comes from the Latin verb superāre, which is derived from the preposition super (meaning "above" or "over"). This etymology reflects the core idea of being "above" a situation or "over" a limit.

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms:

Vencer: To defeat or overcome a specific resistance or enemy.
Sobrepasar: To go beyond a limit or a specific mark.
Rebasar: To pass or exceed, often used regarding physical boundaries or speed.
Aventajar: To have an advantage over someone or to get ahead of them.
Trascender: To go beyond or transcend a certain state or limit.

Antonyms:

Sucumbir: To give in or yield to a pressure or difficulty; the opposite of overcoming.
Fracasar: To fail in an attempt or a goal.
Rendirse: To surrender or give up when facing an obstacle.
Empeorar: To get worse, often used in contrast to the recovery aspect of superar.