The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook

surmount

IPA:

Dictionary definition of surmount

To overcome or to successfully deal with a challenge, obstacle or difficulty.
"With determination and hard work, we can surmount any obstacle."

Detailed meaning of surmount

It implies a sense of accomplishment and mastery over something that was previously seen as difficult or impossible. The term often used in the context of challenges or problems that require effort, determination, and skill to overcome. For example, one might say that a mountaineer surmounted a difficult peak, or that a person surmounted a major obstacle in their personal life. In other words, surmounting something means to rise above it, to go over it, to be victorious over it, or to achieve success by overcoming it.

It can also be used in a more figurative sense, such as when someone surmounts the challenges of poverty to become successful, or when a company surmounts the challenges of a difficult market to achieve success. The term can also be used in the context of achieving a goal or an objective that was previously seen as difficult or impossible.

In summary, surmount means to overcome, to rise above, to master or to achieve success by overcoming a challenge, obstacle or difficulty. It implies a sense of accomplishment and mastery over something that was previously seen as difficult or impossible.

Example sentences containing surmount

1. We must surmount the challenges ahead to achieve success.
2. She surmounts every obstacle with unwavering determination.
3. They managed to surmount their differences and find common ground.
4. It took great effort to surmount the steep mountain trail.
5. The team's resilience helped them surmount the setback and come out stronger.
6. With hard work and perseverance, he was able to surmount his fears.

History and etymology of surmount

The verb 'surmount' has its etymological origins in the Old French word 'surmonter,' which combines 'sur,' meaning 'over,' and 'monter,' meaning 'to climb' or 'to ascend.' In its literal sense, 'surmonter' meant to climb over something physically, like a hill or a barrier. Over time, this notion of conquering physical obstacles transformed into a more abstract sense of overcoming challenges, obstacles, or difficulties. The word 'surmount' came to represent the act of successfully dealing with adversity or surpassing obstacles, much like one would climb over a physical barrier. Therefore, 'surmount' embodies the idea of prevailing over challenges and rising above them through determination and effort.

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Further usage examples of surmount

1. The young athlete's determination allowed her to surmount all expectations.
2. He had to surmount his lack of experience to succeed in the new role.
3. The students had to surmount the difficult math problem to move on to the next level.
4. It was a difficult journey, but they eventually surmounted all the challenges.
5. The team's unity helped them surmount the toughest opponents.
6. She had to surmount her self-doubt and believe in her abilities.
7. With innovative strategies, they were able to surmount the competitive market.
8. The company's resilience helped it surmount the economic downturn.
9. The climber attempted to surmount the treacherous peak.
10. The community's support was crucial in surmounting the crisis.
11. The inventor's breakthrough surmounted all previous limitations.
12. It took great courage to surmount the deep-seated prejudices of society.
13. The negotiators had to surmount the distrust between the two parties.
14. Despite the odds, they managed to surmount the impossible and achieve their goal.