superare

to overcome, to surpass

verb soo-peh-RAH-reh Common

Origin: Latin superare, from super (above, over)

Also means

to pass (an exam or obstacle)

Usage Note

Superare takes avere in compound tenses: ho superato l'esame ('I passed the exam'). It covers a broad range from literally overtaking a vehicle (superare un'auto) to passing an exam (superare un esame) to overcoming a difficulty (superare una crisi). The adjective insuperabile ('insurmountable' or 'unbeatable') shares the same root.

Examples

"Ha superato l'esame con ottimi voti."

Natural Translation

She passed the exam with excellent marks.

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