overshadows

Overshadows is the third-person singular present tense form of the verb overshadow. It denotes the act of casting a shadow over someone or something, either literally by blocking light or figuratively by making another person or thing seem less prominent. The term is used across everyday speech and formal writing, often to describe situations in which a dominant element eclipses a lesser one. Examples include a taller building overshadowing smaller structures, or a prominent figure overshadowing colleagues in a debate.

Etymology and usage: Overshadow derives from over- plus shadow, with shadow from Old English sceadu. The word has appeared in English since the early modern period, and its forms include overshadow, overshadowed, and overshadowing. In English, it is commonly followed by the object being overshadowed (e.g., overshadowed by), and can carry neutral to negative connotations depending on context.

Psychology and cultural usage: In psychology, overshadowing describes an associative learning phenomenon in which two conditioned stimuli presented together compete for attention, and the more salient cue suppresses learning about the less salient one. In literature and media, characters may be described as overshadowing others when they attract more attention or praise, sometimes prompting discussions of merit, recognition, or anxiety among peers. See also overshadow and overshadowing.