overshadow

Everyday

1. To make someone or something seem less important by being more successful or noticeable: her sister overshadowed her. tree →
2. To cast a shadow over something; to tower over it. tree →
3. To make a happy time sadder: the rain overshadowed the party. tree →

In the lessons

Used in everyday talk, news and stories: one event overshadowing another, a tall building overshadowing a garden. In the Bible the Angel tells Mary that the power of God will «overshadow» her. In stories it shows rivalry or a darker mood.

Examples

• The big oak overshadows our garden. tree →
• His win was overshadowed by an injury. tree →
• She felt overshadowed by her clever brother. tree →
• The tall flats overshadowed the little houses. tree →
• Worry about the test overshadowed the weekend. tree →
• Toad's boasting overshadowed the others' good work. tree →
• For there was a large and high hill outside the windows which overshadowed the palace so much that the sun could not shine in. tree →

Note

Compound: over + shadow. Regular verb. Often used in the passive: «was overshadowed by».