Cool MateDefeat vs Show them up
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Defeat
Top 2,000 (common)B2verb
Show them up
InformalBeyond 10,000 (less common)
Most formal: DefeatMost common: Defeat
| Defeat | Show them up | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/dɪˈfiːt/","/dɪˈfiːts/","/dɪˈfiːtɪd/","/dɪˈfiːtɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/dɪˈfiːt/","/dɪˈfiːts/","/dɪˈfiːtɪd/","/dɪˈfiːtɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //ʃoʊ ðɛm ʌp//🇺🇸 //ʃoʊ ðɛm ʌp// |
| Meaning | to win against someone in a game or fight | To embarrass someone by doing better than them. |
| Example | The team was determined to defeat their rivals in the championship game. | She really knew her stuff and showed them up during the presentation. |
| Register | Neutral | Informal |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Beyond 10,000 (less common) |
| CEFR level | B2 | - |
| Part of speech | verb | |
| Collocations | comprehensively, convincingly, decisively, by, comprehensively, convincingly, decisively, by, comprehensively, convincingly, decisively, by | show someone up, really show them up, try to show someone up |
| Antonyms | victory, win, success | - |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'defeat' vs 'defeated' as different forms of the word, Using 'defeat' intransitively — it always requires an object, Incorrectly assuming 'defeat' can be used in positive contexts | Confused with 'show up' meaning to arrive., Used in contexts where competition isn't clear., Incorrectly conjugating the verb. |
| Usage notes | Use 'defeat' in contexts involving competition or conflict, such as sports or battles. Avoid using it in casual conversational contexts unless referring to a game. | Used in casual contexts to describe outperforming others, often in competition or comparison. Less appropriate in formal situations. |
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Frequently asked questions: Defeat vs Show them up
What's the difference between Defeat and Show them up?
Defeat: to win against someone in a game or fight Show them up: To embarrass someone by doing better than them.
Which is more formal: Defeat and Show them up?
Defeat is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: Defeat and Show them up?
Defeat is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Defeat: The team was determined to defeat their rivals in the championship game. Show them up: She really knew her stuff and showed them up during the presentation.
Can I use Defeat and Show them up interchangeably?
Not always. Defeat and Show them up are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.