Overshadowing: meaning, definitions and examples
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overshadowing
[ ˌoʊvərˈʃædoʊɪŋ ]
dominance in presence
To overshadow means to appear more prominent or important than someone or something else, causing them to seem less significant. This can occur in various contexts, such as in relationships, achievements, or events, where one element diminishes the impact or visibility of another.
Synonyms
belittle, diminish, eclipse, outshine, surpass
Examples of usage
- His achievements overshadowed hers during the award ceremony.
- The new policy may overshadow previous regulations.
- The success of the project overshadowed the team's individual contributions.
Translations
Translations of the word "overshadowing" in other languages:
🇵🇹 ofuscante
🇮🇳 छाया डालना
🇩🇪 übertönen
🇮🇩 menutupi
🇺🇦 пригнічення
🇵🇱 przyćmienie
🇯🇵 影を落とす
🇫🇷 éclipser
🇪🇸 opacar
🇹🇷 gölgeleme
🇰🇷 가리다
🇸🇦 تظليل
🇨🇿 převyšování
🇸🇰 zatienenie
🇨🇳 阴影
🇸🇮 senčenje
🇮🇸 skugga
🇰🇿 көлеңкелеп алу
🇬🇪 ჩრდილი
🇦🇿 kölgə salma
🇲🇽 opacar
Etymology
The word 'overshadow' comes from the Middle English term 'overshadwe', which likely merges the prefix 'over-', meaning 'more than' or 'above', with 'shadow', which refers to a dark shape or area that is produced by an object that blocks light. The earliest recorded use dates back to the late 14th century. The concept of overshadowing initially described the physical act of casting a shadow over an object or person, but it has since evolved into a metaphorical use, signifying emotional, social, or psychological dominance. This transition reflects the way language develops, as terms gain broader meanings influenced by cultural and social contexts. By the 16th century, overshadowing began to be used more frequently in literature and speech to describe a situation where one thing's significance surpasses that of another, emphasizing its capacity to diminish or obscure the latter's value or visibility.