Overshadow: meaning, definitions and examples
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overshadow
[ˌoʊvərˈʃædoʊ ]
Definitions
influence
To cast a shadow over; darken or obscure. To make someone or something seem less important or impressive.
Synonyms
dominate, dwarf, eclipse, outshine.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| overshadow |
Use this word when something makes another thing less noticeable or important. It often implies a negative effect.
|
| eclipse |
This word is suitable when one thing surpasses another in importance, performance, or achievements.
|
| dominate |
This word fits when something has a commanding influence or control over something else. It's often used in discussions about power or authority.
|
| outshine |
Use this word when someone performs better or is more impressive than another. It generally has a positive connotation.
|
| dwarf |
Use this word when something makes another thing seem very small or insignificant in comparison.
|
Examples of usage
- The scandal overshadowed his achievements in the field of science.
- Her presence in the room overshadowed everyone else.
feeling
To cause sadness or worry to someone or something by being very close or connected with them.
Synonyms
cast a cloud over, haunt, preoccupy, weigh on.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| overshadow |
Use this word when something or someone makes another thing seem less important or significant.
|
| haunt |
Typically used when referring to something that continuously causes distress, worry, or persistent memories, often negative.
|
| preoccupy |
This word is used when one's attention or thoughts are continuously absorbed or dominated by something, not necessarily negative.
|
| weigh on |
Applied when something causes someone to feel worried, troubled, or burdened.
|
| cast a cloud over |
This expression is used when an event or situation creates a negative or doubtful atmosphere over something or someone.
|
Examples of usage
- The memories of the past overshadowed her present happiness.
- The fear of failure overshadowed his excitement about the project.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word combines 'over,' meaning above or on top, and 'shadow,' which refers to a dark area caused by light being blocked.
- Originally from Middle English, it reflects the literal idea of casting a shadow over something else.
- The concept dates back to Old English and has remained consistent in meaning through centuries.
Literature
- In many stories, a character's greatness can overshadow another’s, creating tension between them.
- Shakespeare often used the theme of overshadowing to explore relationships and dynamics in plays such as 'Hamlet.'
- The phrase is commonly used in metaphorical contexts, such as an event overshadowing another in news coverage.
Psychology
- Research suggests that feelings of inadequacy can arise when someone feels overshadowed by others' achievements.
- Social comparison theory indicates that people often measure their worth against those who seem to excel, feeling overshadowed as a result.
- Overshadowing can result in low self-esteem if frequently experienced in personal or professional environments.
Pop Culture
- Certain celebrities often overshadow their peers in the entertainment industry, influencing public interest and trends.
- In sports, an athlete's performance can sometimes overshadow the achievements of their teammates, leading to fame and accolades.
- Reality TV shows frequently portray situations where one contestant overshadows another, affecting group dynamics.
Science
- In ecological studies, larger species can overshadow smaller ones, limiting their access to resources like sunlight.
- In psychological studies about attention, researchers find that more vivid stimuli can overshadow less intense stimuli in perception.
- In astronomy, a brighter star can overshadow dimmer stars in the same field, making them harder to see.
Translations
Translations of the word "overshadow" in other languages:
🇵🇹 ofuscar
🇮🇳 छाया डालना
🇩🇪 überschatten
🇮🇩 membayangi
🇺🇦 затіняти
🇵🇱 przyćmić
🇯🇵 影を落とす
🇫🇷 éclipser
🇪🇸 eclipsar
🇹🇷 gölgelemek
🇰🇷 그늘지게 하다
🇸🇦 يلقي بظلاله
🇨🇿 zastínit
🇸🇰 zatieniť
🇨🇳 遮蔽
🇸🇮 zasenčiti
🇮🇸 skyggja á
🇰🇿 көлеңкелету
🇬🇪 ჩრდილს ჩრდილი
🇦🇿 gölgeləndirmək
🇲🇽 eclipsar