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Eclipse - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

An eclipse occurs when one celestial body moves into the shadow of another, such as when the Moon blocks the Sun (solar eclipse) or Earth obscures the Moon (lunar eclipse). It is a striking astronomical event.

eclipse

/ɪˈklɪps/ /ɪˈklɪps/

Definition:

The obscuring of one celestial body by another, or a decline in significance or power.

Synonyms:

obscuration, overshadowing, blotting out, darkening

Part of Speech:

noun, verb

Antonyms:

brightness, illumination

Common Collocations:

solar eclipse, lunar eclipse, total eclipse, partial eclipse, annular eclipse

Derivatives:

eclipsed, eclipsing

Usage Tips:

Use "eclipse" literally for celestial events or metaphorically for overshadowing something else.

Common Phrases:

in the shadow of an eclipse, eclipse someone's fame, under an eclipse

Etymology:

From Greek "ekleipsis," meaning "abandonment" or "failing to appear."

Examples:

  • 1. The moon will eclipse the sun tomorrow morning.
  • 2. Her talent eclipsed all others in the competition.
  • 3. We watched the total eclipse with special glasses.
  • 4. The scandal eclipsed his political career overnight.

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