outshine

/aut'ʃain/
Học thuật
Thân thiện
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?