Eclipse: meaning, definitions and examples
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eclipse
[ ɪˈklɪps ]
astronomy
An eclipse is an event that occurs when one object in the sky moves into the shadow of another object. This can happen in two ways: a solar eclipse, when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun, or a lunar eclipse, when the Earth passes between the Sun and the Moon.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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eclipse |
Refers to a phenomenon where one celestial body moves into the shadow of another celestial body, typically involving the sun, moon, or earth. It can be used metaphorically to describe the overshadowing of something.
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ecliptic |
A specific term in astronomy referring to the path that the sun takes through the sky over the course of a year, as observed from Earth. It is also used as a reference plane for locating astronomical objects.
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occultation |
Describes an astronomical event where one object is hidden by another that passes between it and the observer, often used in more scientific or technical discussions.
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Examples of usage
- During a solar eclipse, the Moon blocks the light of the Sun from reaching the Earth.
- A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth's shadow falls on the Moon.
general
To eclipse means to obscure or surpass something or someone by casting a shadow or shining brighter. It can also refer to a decline or loss of significance or power.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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eclipse |
Used mostly in the context of astronomy or when one thing blocks or makes another thing less visible or important.
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outshine |
Used when someone or something performs better or radiates more than another, often in a positive and competitive context.
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surpass |
Used when someone or something exceeds or goes beyond a certain standard or level, often in a neutral or formal context.
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Examples of usage
- The new technology has eclipsed the old methods in efficiency.
- His talent as a musician has never been eclipsed by anyone else in the industry.
Translations
Translations of the word "eclipse" in other languages:
🇵🇹 eclipse
- ocultação
- eclipse
🇮🇳 ग्रहण
- छिपना
- ग्रहण
🇩🇪 Finsternis
- Verdeckung
- Sonnenfinsternis
🇮🇩 gerhana
- pemadaman
- gerhana
🇺🇦 затемнення
- екліпс
- затемнення
🇵🇱 zaćmienie
- zaćmienie słońca
- zaćmienie
🇯🇵 日食
- 食
- かげる
🇫🇷 éclipse
- occultation
- éclipse solaire
🇪🇸 eclipse
- ocultación
- eclipse solar
🇹🇷 tutulma
- gizlenme
- güneş tutulması
🇰🇷 일식
- 차단
- 일식
🇸🇦 كسوف
- حجب
- كسوف الشمس
🇨🇿 zatmění
- zatemnění
- zatmění slunce
🇸🇰 zatmenie
- zatemnenie
- zatmenie slnka
🇨🇳 日食
- 遮蔽
- 日蚀
🇸🇮 mrk
- zatemnitev
- sončni mrk
🇮🇸 myrkvun
- myrkvi
- sólmyrkvi
🇰🇿 күндүн тұтылуы
- көлеңке
- күннің тұтылуы
🇬🇪 დაბნელება
- დაფარვა
- მზის დაბნელება
🇦🇿 tutulma
- gizlənmə
- günəş tutulması
🇲🇽 eclipse
- ocultación
- eclipse solar
Etymology
The word 'eclipse' comes from the Greek word 'eklípsis', which means 'abandonment' or 'downfall'. The ancient Greeks used this term to describe the sudden disappearance of the Sun or Moon during an eclipse, believing it to be a sign of anger from the gods. Over time, the word evolved to its current usage in English to describe both astronomical and metaphorical phenomena.
See also: ecliptic.