What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
overshine
Example
The sun was so bright that it overshined everything else in the sky. [overshine: verb]
Example
She always tries to overshine her colleagues at work, which creates tension. [overshine: verb]
Example
His accomplishments were overshadowed by his brother's success in the same field. [overshine: past participle]
outshine
Example
The stars were so bright that they outshined the moon. [outshine: verb]
Example
Her talent and hard work allowed her to outshine her peers in the music industry. [outshine: verb]
Example
Her performance was so outstanding that it outshined all the other candidates. [outshined: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Outshine is more commonly used than overshine in everyday language. Outshine is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while overshine is less common and refers to specific situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between overshine and outshine?
Both overshine and outshine are formal words that can be used in academic or professional contexts. However, outshine is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, while overshine is less common and may sound overly formal in some situations.
