overtaking

[/ˌoʊvərˈteɪkɪŋ/]
noun, verb (gerund/present participle)
ultrapassagem
1. The act of passing another vehicle on a road
The driver was cited for unsafe overtaking on the highway.
O motorista foi multado por ultrapassagem perigosa na rodovia.
2. The action of catching up with and passing someone or something
China is overtaking the US in technological innovation.
A China está ultrapassando os EUA em inovação tecnológica.
3. Surpassing in rank, achievement, or status
The company is overtaking its competitors in market share.
A empresa está ultrapassando seus concorrentes em participação de mercado.
In Brazilian traffic culture, 'ultrapassagem' is a crucial safety concept as reckless overtaking is a common cause of accidents on highways. Traffic laws strictly regulate when and where overtaking is permitted, particularly on two-lane roads.
NYC Slang
passing; cutting someone off (informal)
Synonyms / Sinônimos
passingsurpassingoutdoingexceedingovertake
Antonyms / Antônimos
falling behindlaggingtrailing

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
ultrapassagem
Most common term for both traffic and figurative contexts
São Paulo
ultrapassagem; passagem
Both terms used in traffic contexts
Rio de Janeiro
ultrapassagem
Standard usage
Portugal
ultrapassagem; ultrapassar
Similar to Brazilian Portuguese; more formal in some contexts

Related Words

overtakepasssurpassexceedlane change

Related Idioms & Phrases

overtaking on the inside
overtaking maneuver
safe overtaking distance
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