A2verb1K

Beat

UK /["/biːt/","/biːts/","/ˈbiːtn/","/ˈbiːtɪŋ/"]/US /["/biːt/","/biːts/","/ˈbiːtn/","/ˈbiːtɪŋ/"]/

Definition

to defeat somebody in a game or competition

In simple words: To hit someone or something repeatedly.

Examples

  • I love to beat the drums in the school band.
  • He managed to beat the previous record in the race.
  • She tried to beat him at chess, but he was too good.
  • The doctor said my heart beat is normal.
  • They can hear the beat of the music from afar.
  • In the morning, I like to beat my eggs before cooking.
  • The athlete worked hard to beat his competitors.
  • You can count the beat of the song to stay in rhythm.

Usage notes

The word 'beat' can be used in both physical and metaphorical contexts. It is often used in sports to indicate winning. Avoid using 'beat' in very formal writing; instead, use 'defeat' or 'overcome.'

Grammar pattern

beat + object

Memory hint

Think of a drummer beating a drum to remember 'beat'.

Collocations

  • comfortably
  • comprehensively
  • convincingly
  • at
  • by
  • beat somebody into second, third, etc. place
  • badly
  • brutally
  • mercilessly
  • with
  • beat somebody about the head
  • beat somebody over the head
  • beat somebody to death
  • fast
  • frantically
  • furiously
  • thoroughly
  • well
  • lightly

Synonyms

  • defeat

Antonyms

  • lose
  • fail
  • give up

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'beet', the vegetable.
  • Using 'beat' instead of 'beaten' in past tense when describing an action.
  • Mixing up 'beat' with 'meet' when speaking quickly.