Surpassing

Surpassing is the act of going beyond a defined limit, expectation, or standard. It can function as both a verb and an adjective: as a verb, it forms the participle surpassing (to exceed or outstrip); as an adjective, surpassing describes something notably superior or extreme, as in a surpassing performance.

Etymology: from Old French surpasser, from sur- "over" and passer "to pass." English adoption in Middle English; the sense of exceeding dates to the medieval period. Related terms include surpass, exceed, outstrip, transcend.

Usage: In sports and records, individuals and teams surpass records or expectations. In statistics or measurements, a value surpasses a threshold. In literary or rhetorical styles, surpassing can be used to intensify description, e.g., a surpassing beauty or achievement. The choice between surpass and surpassing depends on grammar: surpass as a transitive verb (to surpass someone or something) versus the participle or adjective form.

Examples: The runner surpassed his own personal best. The company surpassed earnings projections for the quarter. Her surpassing generosity inspired the community. Ethical or safety considerations may arise when attempting to surpass limits in sensitive domains, such as research or performance-enhancing contexts.

See also: Surpass, Exceed, Outstrip, Transcend.