ENGLISH
REFERENCE

trumps

v.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈtɹəmps// UK //tɹˈʌmps// trumps

v. to be better or more important than something else. You use this when one thing wins over another because it has more value.

v. to surpass or outrank another factor, argument, or card in importance or value. Often describes a situation where one priority overrides all others.


SIMPLE

Safety always trumps speed when we design new cars.

CONTEXTUAL

In the final decision, the need for long-term sustainability trumps the desire for immediate profits.

COMPLEX

While the candidate's charisma was undeniable, the board decided that her lack of technical experience trumps any potential benefit her public image might bring to the firm.

Synonyms
Usage

The verb is transitive and takes a direct object; frequently used in the third person singular ('trumps').

Pitfall

Quality trumps to quantityQuality trumps quantityThe verb is transitive and does not require a preposition like 'to' before the object.

Idioms2 entries

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