Overshadow
/ˌoʊvərˈʃædoʊ/
verbB2
Definition
"Overshadow" means to be so big, good, or strong that it makes something else seem smaller, less important, or less interesting. It can be used for real things, like a tall building casting a shadow over a small house, or for ideas and events, where one thing gets more attention than another.
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See It in Action
To be more important or impressive than something else, making it seem less important
- •Her talent overshadowed all the other contestants.
- •The new skyscraper overshadows the old buildings nearby.
- •His bad behavior overshadowed his many good qualities.
To cover or block light from something by being bigger or taller
- •The tall trees overshadow the small garden.
- •Clouds overshadowed the sun during the afternoon.
- •The mountain overshadowed the valley below.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "overshadow" like "cover," but instead of just blocking light, it means being more important or noticed than something else.
- ✓Picture a tall tree standing next to a small flower; the tree blocks the sun and makes the flower look less bright.
- ✓It's the feeling when your friend's success makes your own achievement feel smaller or less important.
- ✓Sounds like "over-shadow" → imagine a big shadow coming over something smaller and hiding it a little.
- ✓Remember stories where a famous hero's actions make other characters less noticed or important.
- ✓NOT like "shadow" alone (which is just a dark shape), "overshadow" means to be bigger or better so that something else is less noticed.
- ✓NOT like "ignore" (which means to not pay attention on purpose), "overshadow" happens naturally because one thing is stronger or bigger.
- ✓NOT like "outshine" (which means to be better in a bright or positive way), "overshadow" can be neutral or negative, sometimes making others feel less good.
Try Other Words
- •Outshine: to be better or more impressive than others (Use when the focus is on being brighter or more talented rather than just more important)
- •Eclipse: to make someone or something less important by being much better or more powerful (Use in formal or poetic contexts)
- •Dominate: to be the most important or powerful in a situation (Use when one thing controls or strongly influences others)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: "over-" (above, beyond) + "shadow" (dark shape caused by blocking light)
- •Etymology: From Old English "ofer" (over) + "sceadu" (shadow), meaning to cast a shadow over something
- •Historical development: Originally used for physical shadows, later extended to mean being more important or noticeable
- •Modern usage: Used both for physical shadows and figurative meaning of being more important or noticed
Reflect & Connect
•Can something positive overshadow something negative, or does overshadowing always feel bad? Why?
•How do you feel when your achievements are overshadowed by someone else's? How can you handle that feeling?
Fill in the blanks
1.The tall building overshadowed the small houses because it was ___ much ___.
2.Her performance overshadowed others, making them feel ___ and ___.
3.When one event overshadows another, it usually gets more ___ and ___.
4.The large tree overshadowed the garden, so the plants got less ___ and ___.
5.Sometimes, a person's mistakes overshadow their good qualities, which can ___ how others see them.
6.The bright lights overshadowed the stars, making them ___ to see.
7.When someone feels overshadowed, they might feel ___ or ___ compared to others.