Outshine Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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outshine

[aʊtˈʃaɪn ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

bright

To shine more brightly or attract more attention than someone or something else.

Synonyms

eclipse, outclass, outdo, outstrip.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
outshine

Already discussed.

outclass

Used to describe a situation where one person or thing is clearly superior in quality or skill compared to others.

  • The young chess prodigy managed to outclass all her opponents in the tournament
outdo

Often used when trying to perform better than someone else, usually through effort or skill.

  • He always tries to outdo his brother in sports
eclipse

Often used when someone or something completely overshadows another, making it seem less important or significant. Can have a slightly negative connotation.

  • His groundbreaking research will probably eclipse all previous studies in the field
outstrip

Used when someone or something surpasses another in terms of progress, quantity, or speed.

  • Her sales performance this quarter has outstripped all expectations

Examples of usage

  • She always outshines her colleagues with her exceptional performance.
  • His talent for singing outshines all the other contestants.
Context #2 | Verb

excel

To surpass or exceed in performance or quality.

Synonyms

exceed, outdo, outperform, surpass.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
outshine

Used when someone or something performs significantly better than the others, often in a noticeable and impressive way. It often involves a visual or figurative element of shining brighter than others.

  • In the talent show, Emma's singing truly outshined her competitors.
  • The new sports car outshines all the other models with its sleek design and speed.
surpass

Implies going beyond a certain standard or expectation, often in a noteworthy or exceptional way. It's formal and can be used in an array of contexts from personal achievements to technological advancements.

  • Her achievements in science surpass those of her peers.
  • The new bridge surpasses the old one in both design and utility.
exceed

Applies when someone or something goes beyond a particular limit or expectation. It's often used in formal or business contexts.

  • The company's profits exceeded our expectations this quarter.
  • She exceeded the speed limit and got a speeding ticket.
outperform

Used in contexts where measurement of performance is key, such as business, finance, or sports. It implies a practical and measurable superiority.

  • Stocks in the tech sector continue to outperform those in other industries.
  • The new model of the phone outperforms its predecessor in battery life and processing speed.
outdo

Refers to doing something better than someone else, often in a competitive situation. It focuses on the act of surpassing others in performance or effort.

  • In an effort to outdo each other, the teams worked harder and finished the project ahead of schedule.
  • He always tries to outdo his older brother in sports.

Examples of usage

  • Her dedication to her work outshines that of her peers.
  • The beauty of the sunset outshines any painting.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

  • In the world of music, certain artists often outshine their peers during award shows, causing audiences to talk about their performances.
  • Movies frequently depict characters who outshine others, often leading to plot twists or conflicts, such as a rising star overshadowing a veteran actor.
  • The concept of outshining is prevalent in competitions, like talent shows or sports, where individuals aim to stand out and impress judges or fans.

Psychology

  • People often feel envy when someone else outshines them, which can impact self-esteem and interpersonal relationships.
  • The phenomenon of social comparison theory suggests that individuals assess their self-worth based on how they measure up to others, especially when someone seems to outshine them.
  • Higher levels of competitiveness can lead to stress for those who feel overshadowed, whereas individuals that outshine others may experience boosts in confidence.

Literature

  • In literature, characters who outshine others often symbolize ambition and the desire to be noticed, as depicted in many classic novels.
  • Poets frequently use imagery of light and brightness to describe outshining, conveying complex emotions about competition and recognition.
  • Shakespeare's works often feature characters who, through their talents and craftiness, outshine their peers, leading to both triumph and tragedy.

Science

  • In astronomy, a star that outshines another appears brighter due to various factors like size, temperature, and distance from Earth.
  • In biology, some species 'outshine' others in terms of survival skills, noted for their adaptations and evolutionary advantages.
  • In physics, light and brightness calculations involve concepts of magnitude and luminosity, determining how one source might outshine another.

Origin of 'outshine'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'outshine' combines 'out' meaning beyond, and 'shine' relating to light, indicating something shining more than another.
  • It first appeared in the English language in the late 15th century, evolving from older languages like Middle English and Old English.
  • The prefix 'out-' in English suggests superiority or excess, as seen in words like 'outperform' or 'outlast.'

The word 'outshine' originated from the combination of 'out' and 'shine', dating back to the 16th century. It reflects the concept of shining brighter or surpassing others in brilliance or excellence. The term has evolved over time to symbolize excellence and superiority in various contexts.


See also: shine, shines, shinier, shininess, shining.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,550 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.