Definition

1. Verb (transitive):
   • To be noticeably better, more impressive, or more successful than someone or something else, thereby attracting more attention or praise.
   • To shine more brightly than something else; to emit more light.

Usage

• The verb "outshine" is used to compare two or more things, where one surpasses the other in brilliance, quality, or achievement.
• It can be used in both literal (light) and figurative (talent, performance) contexts.
• Common structures: "A outshines B" or "to outshine someone/something in something."

Examples

• Figurative (Quality/Achievement):
  • Her performance in the final round outshone all her competitors.
  • The new model outshines its predecessor in both design and efficiency.
• Literal (Light):
  • No other star in the night sky outshines Venus.
  • The stage lights were so powerful they outshone the chandelier.

Advanced Usage

• "to outshine oneself": To perform even better than one's usual high standard.
  • The chef outshone himself with tonight's special menu.
• Used in passive constructions (less common but possible):
  • He was outshone by his younger colleague during the presentation.

Variants and Related Words

• Outshone: The standard past tense and past participle form of "outshine."
  • She had outshone everyone at the conference last year.
• Outshining: The present participle/gerund form.
  • He is capable of outshining the current champion.

Synonyms

• Surpass: To exceed or be better than.
• Eclipse: To make another seem less impressive or important by comparison.
• Excel: To be exceptionally good at something.
• Outdo: To do better than someone else.
• Outclass: To be of a much higher standard than.

Related Phrases

• "Steal the spotlight/show": An idiomatic phrase with a similar meaning to the figurative use of "outshine," meaning to attract the most attention.
  • The supporting actor completely stole the spotlight with his moving performance.
• "Dwarf": To make something seem small or insignificant in comparison.
  • The new skyscraper dwarfs all the surrounding buildings.

Verb

1. attract more attention and praise than others
   • This film outshone all the others in quality
2. shine brighter than
   • What star outshines the sun?