Outshined: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word combines 'out', meaning 'more than', and 'shine', which has roots in Old English 'scīnan', meaning 'to emit light'.
• The concept of 'shining' metaphorically extends to someone's skills or talents being more noticeable or remarkable.
• It first appeared in written English during the 19th century as a figurative expression.

Pop Culture

• In photography and film, 'outshining' can refer to a more charismatic performer or actor who captures the audience's attention.
• Television shows often feature characters who outshine others, creating dynamic rivalries and plot tensions, like in reality competition shows.
• Songs about love often talk about partners who outshine each other, emphasizing themes of jealousy or admiration.

Psychology

• The phenomenon of one individual outshining another can lead to feelings of inadequacy or imposter syndrome in social or professional contexts.
• People often perform better when they feel they are competing against someone who might outshine them, prompting personal growth.
• In group settings, individuals may sometimes intentionally dim their contributions to avoid outshining others and maintain harmony.

Literature

• Many classic tales feature protagonists who outshine their peers, leading to jealousy and conflict, such as in Shakespeare's plays.
• In modern literature, characters often struggle with being outshined in talents, beauty, or reputation, reflecting societal pressures.
• Metaphorical language in poetry frequently employs the concept of light and shadow to discuss themes of rivalry and recognition.

Science

• In astronomy, a star can outshine another, depending on its size, temperature, and distance from Earth, leading to significant studies in stellar brightness.
• Scientists use terms like 'luminosity' to describe how some celestial bodies outshine others, contributing to our understanding of the universe.
• The research in photovoltaic cells explores how certain materials can outshine others in efficiency, paralleling the metaphor of human achievements.