Outshadow vs. Overshadow — Which is Correct Spelling?
Edited by Fiza Rafique — By Sumaia Saeed — Updated on April 23, 2024
"Outshadow" is the incorrect spelling of "overshadow," which means to dominate, obscure, or make less important by comparison.
Table of Contents
Which is correct: Outshadow or Overshadow
How to spell Overshadow?
Outshadow
Incorrect Spelling
Overshadow
Correct Spelling
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Key Differences
Think of "overshadow" as similar to "overcome" or "overlook," where "over" adds the sense of extent or impact.
Remember that "overshadow" includes "over," which commonly indicates something excessive or superior, fitting its meaning of dominating or eclipsing something else.
Visualize "overshadow" as a shadow that spreads over and covers everything beneath it.
The "over" in "overshadow" suggests going above or beyond, which visually implies covering or exceeding something.
How Do You Spell Overshadow Correctly?
Incorrect: The small errors should not outshadow the overall success of the project.
Correct: The small errors should not overshadow the overall success of the project.
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Overshadow Definitions
Overshadow means to cast a shadow over something else, making it seem less important or noticeable.
The skyscraper overshadowed the small community garden.
Overshadow can imply having a negative impact or influence due to its prominence.
The scandal overshadowed his entire career.
It also refers to dominating or attracting more attention than something else.
Her stunning performance overshadowed the rest of the play.
To overshadow can also mean to cloud over, darken, or envelop in shadow.
Dark clouds began to overshadow the valley.
It describes making something seem insignificant or smaller by comparison.
The achievements of others should not overshadow your own progress.
To cast a shadow over; darken or obscure.
To make insignificant by comparison; dominate.
(transitive) To obscure something by casting a shadow.
(transitive) To dominate something and make it seem insignificant.
(transitive) To shelter or protect.
To throw a shadow, or shade, over; to darken; to obscure.
There was a cloud that overshadowed them.
To cover with a superior influence; to be viewed as more important than.
To cause to be sad or disappointing; to cast a sad shadow on; as, an accidental death overshadowed the joy of the festival.
Exceed in importance; outweigh;
This problem overshadows our lives right now
Make appear small by comparison;
This year's debt dwarves that of last year
Cast a shadow upon;
The tall tree overshadowed the house
The tragedy overshadowed the couple's happiness
Overshadow Meaning in a Sentence
His quiet contributions often overshadow his more public achievements.
She worried that her earlier mistakes would overshadow her recent success.
They didn't want their small disagreements to overshadow the happiness of their wedding day.
The bright colors of the mural shouldn't overshadow the message it tries to convey.
The big city buildings overshadow the old historical monuments, making them easy to miss.
Sometimes, a strong personality can overshadow others in a group setting.
He is determined not to let his past mistakes overshadow his future possibilities.
In the meeting, the minor issues seemed to overshadow the main agenda.
Overshadow Idioms & Phrases
Let not minor issues overshadow major successes
A reminder to not let small problems conceal or diminish the importance of big achievements.
Let not minor issues overshadow major successes; we've come a long way this year.
Nothing could overshadow their joy
Nothing could lessen or ruin their happiness.
Even the sudden storm couldn’t overshadow their joy at the outdoor wedding.
Don’t let the past overshadow the present
Advice suggesting that one should not allow previous experiences or failures to negatively affect current opportunities.
Don’t let the past overshadow the present; today is a new day to make things right.
Common Curiosities
Why is it called overshadow?
It's called "overshadow" because it combines "over," indicating excess or superiority, and "shadow," implying something is being covered or hidden beneath.
How many syllables are in overshadow?
Overshadow has four syllables.
How do we divide overshadow into syllables?
It is divided as o-ver-shad-ow.
What is a stressed syllable in overshadow?
The stressed syllable in overshadow is "shad."
What is the root word of overshadow?
The root words are "over" and "shadow."
What is the first form of overshadow?
The first form is "overshadow."
How is overshadow used in a sentence?
Overshadow is used as a verb to describe one thing making another seem less important or less noticeable.
What is the second form of overshadow?
The second form is "overshadowed."
What is the third form of overshadow?
The third form is also "overshadowed."
What is the singular form of overshadow?
As a verb, it does not have a singular or plural form; it remains "overshadow" regardless of the subject.
What is the pronunciation of overshadow?
Overshadow is pronounced as /ˌoʊ.vərˈʃæd.oʊ/.
What part of speech is overshadow?
Overshadow is a verb.
What is the verb form of overshadow?
The verb form is "overshadow," and the past tense is "overshadowed."
Is overshadow an adverb?
No, overshadow is not used as an adverb.
Is overshadow a negative or positive word?
Overshadow often has a negative connotation, implying that something is being diminished or hidden.
Is overshadow a vowel or consonant?
The word starts with a vowel sound.
Is the overshadow term a metaphor?
It can be used metaphorically to describe situations where one thing significantly affects the perception of another.
Is the word “overshadow” a Direct object or an Indirect object?
It can take a direct object, e.g., "This skyscraper overshadows the park."
Which determiner is used with overshadow?
Determiners such as "the," "this," or "that" can be used with the object being overshadowed, not directly with the verb.
What is another term for overshadow?
Another term could be "eclipse" or "outshine."
What is the plural form of overshadow?
The verb form does not change; it remains "overshadow."
What is the opposite of overshadow?
The opposite could be "highlight," "illuminate," or "emphasize."
Is overshadow a noun or adjective?
Overshadow is a verb.
Is overshadow a countable noun?
It is not a noun; it is a verb.
Is overshadow a collective noun?
No, it is not a collective noun.
Which conjunction is used with overshadow?
Conjunctions like "and" or "but" can be used, e.g., "talented but overshadowed."
Which article is used with overshadow?
It typically does not require an article as it is a verb.
Is overshadow an abstract noun?
It is not a noun; it is a verb.
Is the word overshadow imperative?
It can be used in an imperative form, e.g., "Don't let your fears overshadow your dreams."
Is the word overshadow a Gerund?
The gerund form is "overshadowing."
Which vowel is used before overshadow?
As a verb, it typically does not precede a vowel or article.
Which preposition is used with overshadow?
Common prepositions include "by," as in "overshadowed by his achievements."
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Written by
Sumaia Saeed
Edited by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
