Pronunciation: [ˈɛd͡ʒ ˈa͡ʊt] (IPA) 
The phrasal verb "edge out" means to narrowly win or beat someone or something. Its IPA phonetic transcription is ɛdʒ aʊt, where ɛdʒ represents the "eh" sound as in "red", the stress is on the first syllable, and aʊt represents the "ow" sound as in "how". As with many phrasal verbs, the spelling isn't always intuitive, so it's important to learn the proper spelling and pronunciation to effectively communicate in English.
"Edge out" is a phrasal verb that means to surpass or defeat someone or something by a narrow or slight margin, often in a competitive situation. It implies a gradual and subtle dominance over the opponent, usually achieved through determined effort, skill, or strategic maneuvering.
The term "edge out" can be used in various contexts, such as sports, business, or interpersonal relationships. In sports, it refers to winning by the smallest possible advantage, often at the last moment, showcasing exceptional ability or resilience. For example, a runner may "edge out" their competitor by crossing the finish line just a fraction of a second ahead.
In the business world, "edge out" implies gaining a competitive advantage over rivals in a market or industry, be it through offering superior products, more efficient processes, or better customer service. For instance, a company may "edge out" its competitors by continuously innovating and adapting to market trends.
On a personal level, "edge out" can describe the act of subtly outdoing or outshining someone else, often through careful planning or strategy. It can also connote getting ahead or achieving success by a narrow margin or through persistence and hard work.
Overall, "edge out" carries the connotation of surpassing others with a slight advantage, often highlighting the importance of determination, effort, and skill in achieving success.
The phrase "edge out" can be analyzed by looking at the etymologies of its constituent words:
1. Edge: The word "edge" stems from the Old English word "ecg", which means the cutting part of a blade or a sharp side of an object. It has Indo-European roots and is related to the Sanskrit word "asasyati" and the Latin word "acus", both meaning "needle".
2. Out: The term "out" comes from the Middle English word "outen", derived from the Old English word "ūt", which means "outside" or "beyond". It also has Old Norse origins, similar to the word "út" in Icelandic.
When combined, the phrase "edge out" conveys the action of gradually or slightly moving or pushing oneself or someone or something else beyond a given boundary or position.
