What does outshining mean?
Outshining is the present participle and gerund of outshine, a verb meaning to shine more brightly than someone or something else. In its literal sense, it describes a light, star, or other source of illumination that exceeds another in brilliance. Its figurative sense is much more common: a person or achievement may outshine rivals in talent, success, beauty, or distinction. For example, a performer whose display of skill surpasses that of every other participant can be said to have outshone the competition. The word has a formal and somewhat literary tone, and it often presents a direct comparison with another person or thing. Although it can sound admiring, the term can also imply that those being compared appear less impressive. Outshining is therefore useful when a speaker wants to emphasize exceptional brilliance or achievement rather than merely describe someone as good.
verb (present participle and gerund)To shine more brightly than someone or something else; figuratively, to surpass someone in brilliance, achievement, attractiveness, or distinction.
- To shine more brightly than another person or thing.
- To surpass someone else in brilliance, achievement, attractiveness, or distinction.
"Her performance outshone every other act in the competition."
"The young violinist outshone the entire seasoned orchestra."
"Her scholarship outshone expectations and brought her several offers of further study."
Outshining can literally outdo the light, but its figurative power comes from making another person's brilliance seem dimmer by comparison.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does outshining come from?
Outshining is formed from the English prefix out- and the verb shine, with the ending -ing marking its present participle and gerund forms. Shine derives from Old English scīnan, meaning “to give light” or “to shine,” and is related to forms in other Germanic languages, including German scheinen and Dutch schijnen. The compound outshine literally describes shining more brightly than something else, while its figurative use developed around surpassing another person in brilliance or distinction.
How outshining is actually used
The word is most often encountered in formal, literary, or elevated contexts. Its figurative use can be complimentary, as in praising someone's achievement, but it may also imply that the person being surpassed is made to seem less impressive.
Easily confused with outshining
Outshining means surpassing someone in brilliance or distinction, whereas overshadowing means becoming more prominent or important than someone else.