What does “beat” mean?
- 1
verbto win against someone in a game or competition
We beat them 3–1.
- 2
verbto hit someone or something many times
Rain was beating against the windows.
- 3
nouna regular sound or rhythm, as in music or a heart
I love the beat of this song.
Beat at a glance
- Part of speech
- verb & noun
- CEFR level
- B1 (intermediate)
- Pronunciation
- /bit/ · BEET
- Forms
- beat, beaten
How to use “beat” correctly
You “beat” a person or team but “win” a game: “We beat Spain” / “We won the match”.
Common phrases with “beat”
- beat sb at sth
- heart beat
- beat the record
Synonyms, opposites and related words
Synonyms (similar meaning)
- defeat
- rhythm
Idioms with “beat”
- Beat around the bush: To avoid talking about the main point, usually because it is awkward or unpleasant.
“beat” is on these word lists
Learn these words next
- affect verbB1to cause a change in someone or something
- appear verbB1to seem
- avoid verbB1to stay away from someone or something
- cause verbB1to make something happen, usually something bad
- involve verbB1to include something as a necessary part
- lay verbB1to put someone or something down carefully in a flat position
- occur verbB1to happen, especially without being planned
- perform verbB1to entertain people by acting, singing, dancing or playing music