Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Overshadowed: meaning, definitions and examples

🌫️
Add to dictionary

overshadowed

 

[ ˌoʊvərˈʃædoʊd ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

emotional impact

The term 'overshadowed' refers to a state where one thing is made to appear less important or significant due to the prominence of another. It often implies that the overshadowing element has drawn attention away from the subject in question. This can occur in various contexts, including relationships, events, or achievements. When someone or something is overshadowed, their value or presence may be diminished in the eyes of others. It signifies a sort of diminishing recognition.

Synonyms

buried, concealed, diminished, masked, submerged.

Examples of usage

  • The younger sibling often felt overshadowed by the achievements of the elder brother.
  • Her accomplishments were overshadowed by the controversy surrounding her project.
  • The new movie overshadowed the previous film in the franchise.
  • The excitement of the festival was overshadowed by the sudden rain.

Translations

Translations of the word "overshadowed" in other languages:

🇵🇹 ofuscado

🇮🇳 छाया

🇩🇪 überstrahlt

🇮🇩 tersembunyi

🇺🇦 затемнений

🇵🇱 przyćmiony

🇯🇵 影がある

🇫🇷 obscurci

🇪🇸 ensombrecido

🇹🇷 gölgelendi

🇰🇷 그림자 지어짐

🇸🇦 مظلم

🇨🇿 převýšený

🇸🇰 ušlý

🇨🇳 被遮蔽

🇸🇮 zasenčen

🇮🇸 skygð

🇰🇿 көлденең

🇬🇪 ჩრდილში

🇦🇿 kölgədə

🇲🇽 ensombrecido

Etymology

The word 'overshadowed' is derived from the combination of the prefix 'over-' meaning 'above or beyond' and the word 'shadow,' which can be traced back to the Old English 'sceadu' meaning 'shade, shadow, or shelter.' The evolution of 'shadow' into modern English reflects its gradual transformation from a term used primarily for physical shadows to a more metaphorical connotation, especially during the 14th century. 'Overshadow' began to be used in a figurative sense, referring to the way one's achievements or qualities can be eclipsed by greater or more remarkable entities. This figurative usage became popular in the 17th century, expanding the term's applications to not just literal shadows but also emotional and contextual associations. Today, 'overshadowed' is commonly used to indicate when something is deemed less significant due to the influence or presence of a more notable counterpart.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,884, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.