Defeated: Definition, Synonyms, and Usage
Defeated – Definition and Part of Speech
The term defeated primarily functions as a verb in its past tense form, meaning to have been beaten or overcome in a conflict, competition, or struggle. It can also be used as an adjective (e.g., “a defeated army”) or noun (e.g., “the defeated” referring collectively to those who are conquered).
Core Synonyms
Below is a table presenting some primary synonyms for “defeated,” along with their nuances and usage examples:
| Synonym | Brief Definition/Nuance | Example Sentence | Style/Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overpowered | Suggests a stronger force or entity dominated another, emphasizing imbalance. | “The larger team overpowered the smaller one in the final quarter.” | Formal/Sports Commentary |
| Vanquished | Carries an archaic or literary flair, often used to convey a dramatic victory. | “The hero vanquished the dragon and saved the kingdom.” | Literary/Creative Writing |
| Crushed | Implies overwhelming force, potentially with emotional intensity. | “His spirit was crushed after losing his job.” | Informal/Emotional Context |
| Bested | Indicates defeat in a more competitive or personal sense, often used informally. | “He bested her at chess for the third time this month.” | Casual/Game Playing |
| Overcome | Implies overcoming an adversary; can also mean overcoming non-tangible challenges. | “The athlete overcame his injuries to win the race.” | Formal/Academic |
Usage Notes
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Overpowered: This synonym is often used in contexts where there’s a notable imbalance of power or strength, such as sports, military conflicts, or discussions about natural phenomena. It suits formal and semi-formal styles.
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Vanquished: Ideal for creative writing or historical accounts, “vanquished” adds an air of grandeur to the notion of defeat. Its dramatic tone makes it suitable for storytelling and descriptions involving epic battles or legendary foes.
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Crushed: Best utilized in informal contexts where emotional impact is highlighted, such as personal anecdotes or narratives discussing mental resilience. It conveys a sense of thorough defeat beyond just losing an argument or game.
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Bested: Commonly used in casual conversations about games, sports, or friendly competitions, “bested” has a lighter tone and implies that the victory was hard-fought but ultimately won by one side.
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Overcome: In academic papers or formal discussions, especially those involving challenges like illnesses or adversities, “overcome” is preferred. It can also imply a process of surmounting difficulties, not just achieving victory in defeat.
Common Pitfalls
Learners might confuse these synonyms due to their overlapping meanings centered on defeat but differing connotations:
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Overpowered vs. Crushed: While both involve imbalance, “crushed” often carries stronger emotional overtones.
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Vanquished vs. Defeated: “Vanquished” is more dramatic and archaic, while “defeated” is straightforward and neutral.
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Bested vs. Overcome: “Bested” pertains to a competitive sense of defeat, whereas “overcome” can refer to surmounting non-tangible challenges as well as achieving victory over an adversary.
Final Recap
In summary, while all these synonyms relate to the concept of being beaten or conquered, each carries its unique shade of meaning and context suitability. “Overpowered” suggests imbalance in strength, “vanquished” adds a literary flair, “crushed” emphasizes emotional intensity, “bested” implies competition, and “overcome” can refer to both defeat and surmounting obstacles.
To expand your vocabulary effectively, try incorporating these synonyms into sentences or dialogues relevant to their specific contexts. Practicing with context in mind will enhance both comprehension and expressive precision.