What is overshadow? How to use in English

Definition & pronunciation of overshadow

overshadowverb

lu mờ

/ˌəʊvəˈʃædəʊ//ˌəʊvərˈʃædəʊ/

Where does the word overshadow come from?

The word "overshadow" originated from the Middle English word "schaden," meaning "shade" or "shadow." The present-day form of the word can be traced back to the 15th century, when it was first used in the sense of "cast a shadow over" or "hinder or prevent the growth or development of." In literature, the term "overshadow" also had a literal meaning related to solar eclipses. During an eclipse, the moon would pass between the sun and Earth, causing a momentary "overshadowing" of the sun's light. Over time, the term "overshadow" took on a more figurative meaning, particularly in religious contexts. It came to represent the idea of a divine or supernatural presence being so overwhelming or powerful that it seems to blot out or obscure everything else. For many Christians, the story of Moses in Exodus is particularly evocative of this concept, as God describes himself as overshadowing Moses with his hand, guiding and protecting him on his journey. In summary, the root word "schaden" meaning "shade" or "shadow" led to the formation of the Old English word "scadan," which eventually evolved into the present-day term "overshadow," expressing both literal and figurative meanings.

Vocabulary summary overshadow

typetransitive verb

meaningshade

meaningto obscure; to darken ((literal) & (figurative))

meaning(rare word, rare meaning) protect, shelter (someone, from attack)

Example of vocabulary overshadownamespace

meaning

to make somebody/something seem less important, or successful

  • He had always been overshadowed by his elder sister.
  • Domestic policy was soon overshadowed by political unrest abroad.
meaning

to make an event less pleasant than it should be

  • News of the accident overshadowed the day's events.
meaning

to throw a shadow over something

  • The garden is overshadowed by tall trees.

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