What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
outshine
Example
Her performance on stage outshone all the other actors. [outshone: past tense]
Example
The new restaurant outshines all the others in terms of quality and service. [outshines: present tense]
eclipse
Example
His achievements were eclipsed by his colleague's success. [eclipsed: past tense]
Example
The company's profits were eclipsed by its competitors. [eclipsed: past participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Eclipse is more commonly used than outshine in everyday language. Eclipse is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while outshine is less common and is typically used in more specific situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between outshine and eclipse?
Both outshine and eclipse can be used in formal and informal contexts, but outshine may be considered slightly more formal due to its less frequent usage.