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Outshining Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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outshining

[aʊtʃaɪn ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

performing better

To outshine means to perform better than someone else in a way that attracts more attention or admiration. It can refer to an individual excelling in skills, talents, or achievements, often making others seem less impressive by comparison. This term can be used in various contexts, including work, academics, and social situations. Outshining may also imply a sense of competition where one person's abilities are significantly superior to those of others.

Synonyms

eclipse, excel, outperform, surpass.

Examples of usage

  • She consistently outshines her colleagues at work.
  • The athlete outshined all others during the competition.
  • His performance outshone the rest of the cast.
  • In the classroom, she outshines her peers with her knowledge.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

  • In competitive environments, such as sports or the arts, individuals are often encouraged to 'outshine' their peers to gain recognition.
  • Social media has amplified the notion of 'outshining,' where people showcase their accomplishments to stand out in crowded digital spaces.
  • Cultural stories often depict characters who 'outshine' others, underlining themes of envy, admiration, and rivalry.

Psychology

  • Feeling the need to outshine others can stem from self-esteem issues, where individuals seek external approval to boost confidence.
  • Psychological studies suggest that competition can improve performance, motivating individuals to work harder to outshine their peers.
  • On the flip side, the pressure to outshine may lead to stress or burnout as individuals push themselves to always be the best.

Literature

  • In literature, characters who outshine others often face conflicts or challenges, examining the costs of superiority.
  • Classic works depict the dangers of jealousy when one character outshines another, exploring themes of envy and ambition.
  • Many authors use the motif of outshining to symbolize personal growth, where characters evolve to surpass older versions of themselves.

Origin of 'outshining'

Main points about word origin

  • The word combines 'out' meaning more or beyond and 'shine', originating from Old English, used to describe light or brightness.
  • Historically, 'shine' has been linked to both physical light and personal brilliance, illustrating both appearance and talent.
  • The phrase has moved from literal brightness to metaphorical uses, especially in talent and personality contexts.

The term 'outshine' has its origins in the Middle English period, derived from the combination of the prefix 'out-' meaning 'beyond' or 'more than' and 'shine', which comes from the Old English 'scīnan', meaning 'to shine'. The metaphorical use of 'shine' to indicate excellence or superiority dates back to the late 14th century. Historically, to 'outshine' could refer to the literal sense of light—where one source of light is brighter than another. Over time, this term evolved to encompass broader meanings pertaining to performance and achievements, reflecting cultural values placed on excellence and distinction. It has been commonly used in literature and speeches to emphasize exceptional capabilities or to show superiority in various aspects of life.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #39,314, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.