overshadow
overshadow Lexical Profile
overshadow Game Scores & Validity
• verb
To appear much more prominent, important, or successful than someone or something else, making them seem less significant by comparison.
"Her brilliant solo performance completely overshadowed the rest of the orchestra."
To cast a feeling of sadness, anxiety, or gloom over an event or situation, spoiling its enjoyment.
"News of the sudden economic downturn overshadowed the company's annual celebration."
To tower above something and cast a physical shadow over it.
"Tall, ancient pine trees overshadowed the narrow cottage garden."
• Rhymes for overshadow
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
From Old English ofersceadwian, formed by combining ofer ('over') and sceadwian ('to shade or cast a shadow upon'). Originally referring literally to casting a physical shadow over something, the figurative sense of surpassing or making less important developed by the 16th century.