Overshadow

To cast a shadow over something, literally or metaphorically, often making it seem less important or less visible. This term can be used in various contexts, including personal relationships, artistic achievements, and historical events, where one element is perceived as more significant than another. The act of overshadowing can lead to feelings of neglect or inferiority in the overshadowed subject, highlighting the dynamics of power and prominence.

Overshadow meaning with examples

• In the competitive world of sports, individual athletes often overshadow their teammates, receiving all the accolades and media attention. For instance, during the Olympics, while relay teams may collectively contribute to a gold medal, it's usually the anchor runner who becomes the face of the victory, leaving others feeling underappreciated despite their critical roles in achieving that success.
• In her latest novel, the character of the wise elder subtly overshadows the protagonist's journey. While the story revolves around the younger character's growth and struggles, it is the elder’s past and wisdom that become central to the themes of learning and resilience, reminding readers that sometimes guidance comes from those who have walked the path before us, influencing without trying to take the spotlight.
• The recent political scandal seemed to overshadow the administration's accomplishments in economic recovery, leading to public discourse focusing more on the tabloid-worthy events than on the positive metrics. This shift in attention caused analysts to worry about the long-term implications of public perception, as achievements like job growth and infrastructure improvements were overlooked due to the sensational nature of the controversy.
• In the art world, the young painter's debut was arguably overshadowed by the overwhelming success of an established artist exhibiting at the same gallery. Despite the emerging artist's unique style and perspective, the presence of the seasoned professional dominated the evening, leading to a crowd that favored familiarity over novelty, leaving some to speculate about the challenges faced by new talent in gaining visibility in such a competitive environment.