What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
eclipsed
Example
The moon eclipsed the sun, creating a spectacular sight. [eclipsed: verb]
Example
The success of the new product eclipsed the sales of the old product. [eclipsed: past tense]
overshadow
Example
The tall building overshadowed the small park, blocking out the sunlight. [overshadowed: verb]
Example
The achievements of the team were overshadowed by the scandal involving one of its members. [overshadowed: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Overshadow is more commonly used than eclipse in everyday language. Overshadow is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while eclipse is less common and often associated with celestial events.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between eclipsed and overshadow?
Both eclipse and overshadow are formal words that can be used in academic or professional writing. However, eclipse may be more formal due to its association with astronomy and scientific language.
