overshadow — to cause someone or something to seem less important, impressive, or prominent by comparison
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to cause someone or something to seem less important, impressive, or prominent by comparison
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˌoʊvərˈʃædoʊ/
Example Sentences
- My cat's dramatic entrance overshadowed my carefully prepared presentation.
- The scandal overshadowed all the positive news about the company.
- Her brilliant performance overshadowed everyone else on stage.
overshadow
VERB[/ˌoʊvərˈʃædoʊ/]
to cause someone or something to seem less important, impressive, or prominent by comparison
The younger sister's violin solo completely overshadows her brother's earlier piano performance.
In the meadow's shadow, even streams seem shallow
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Old English 'schadwe' (shadow) combined with the prefix 'over-' (meaning above or beyond). The word emerged in Middle English as a literal description of casting a shadow over something, later developing the metaphorical sense of diminishing importance.
Breakdown
over- (above, beyond) + shadow (a dark shape cast by an object blocking light) = overshadow (to cast a shadow over, or to cause to seem less important by comparison)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My cat's dramatic entrance overshadowed my carefully prepared presentation.”
“The scandal overshadowed all the positive news about the company.”
“Her brilliant performance overshadowed everyone else on stage.”
“The pizza delivery guy's arrival overshadowed the boring movie we were watching.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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