Definitions
- Describing a situation where one vehicle passes another on the road. - Referring to a situation where one person or team surpasses another in a competition or race. - Talking about a situation where one thing or idea becomes more popular or successful than another.
- Referring to a celestial event where the moon passes in front of the sun, causing temporary darkness. - Describing a situation where one person or thing completely outshines or surpasses another in terms of talent, achievement, or popularity. - Talking about a situation where one thing or idea becomes irrelevant or outdated due to the emergence of a new and superior one.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words describe a situation where one thing surpasses another.
- 2Both words can be used in a competitive context.
- 3Both words involve a change in status or position.
- 4Both words can be used figuratively to describe non-physical situations.
What is the difference?
- 1Type of surpassing: Overtake implies a gradual or incremental surpassing, while eclipse suggests a sudden and complete surpassing.
- 2Context: Overtake is commonly used in the context of sports, racing, and driving, while eclipse is more often used in the context of talent, achievement, and popularity.
- 3Degree of surpassing: Overtake suggests a relatively equal level of competition, while eclipse implies a significant difference in talent, achievement, or popularity.
- 4Duration: Overtake implies a temporary or reversible surpassing, while eclipse suggests a permanent or long-lasting surpassing.
- 5Connotation: Overtake is neutral in connotation, while eclipse can have negative connotations of making something or someone irrelevant or outdated.
Remember this!
Overtake and eclipse are synonyms that describe a situation where one thing surpasses another. However, the difference between them lies in the type, degree, and duration of surpassing. Overtake implies a gradual or incremental surpassing in a competitive context, while eclipse suggests a sudden and complete surpassing in terms of talent, achievement, or popularity.
