We always give examples or dialogues using the expressions . Sometimes we even use the words in a short story . All of these can , hopefully , teach you how to best use the expressions . For today's word we turn our eyes toward the sky ! There is one natural event that many people want to experience during their lifetime -- an eclipse ! Whether solar or lunar , partial or total , these astronomical events bring the movement of our solar system a little more to life . Solar , as we know , means “relating to the sun ." So a solar eclipse happens when the moon passes between the sun and Earth . A dark circle either completely or partly covers the sun as a result . Lunar means “related to the moon ." So , a lunar eclipse is when the moon looks as if it is completely or partially covered with a dark circle . Some ancient cultures considered an eclipse a sign that the world was ending . Other cultures viewed it as a battle between different animals in the sky as they try to eat up the moon or sun . Another cultural belief was that an eclipse was a time for deep thought and thinking about the past . The word eclipse comes from a Greek word meaning "to leave ," "to abandon ," "to forsake a usual place " or fail to appear ." Ancient Greeks thought of an eclipse as a time when the sun abandoned the earth . In simple terms , an eclipse happens when a planet or satellite blocks the light of the sun . In conversation , when one thing eclipses another it makes it less important or popular . For example , television eclipsed radio in the 1950s as the most popular form of home entertainment . When one person eclipses another , they do something better . For example , a younger child might hate it when her older sister's school and sports success eclipses her own . The older sister outshines the younger one . This usage of eclipse is not only used when talking about people . Things can also eclipse other things , as in this sentence : The popularity of the company's new product quickly eclipsed all its earlier products . Many synonyms of eclipse deal with light and casting shadows , like in the example of the older sister outshining the younger . If a person or a thing outshines another , the light they give off is so bright that no one notices anything else . You could also say the older daughter cast a shadow on her younger sister . Or you could say the younger sister was living in the shadow of her older sister . Now , let's hear how we use eclipse this way in everyday conversation . Are you ready for your singing audition today ? As ready as I'll ever be . The song I'm singing is my favorite and I know it really well . I'm sure you'll do great . Are you any relation to Doug Stravinski ?! He's my older brother . His performance in Les Miserables was amazing . Critics are still talking about it ! What is he working on these days ? His fourth album . That is just awesome ! It will probably be another number one seller ! So , what's it like being his brother ? It must be tough living in the shadow of Doug Stravinski ! I don't think about it ... you know , until someone brings it up . Oh , I'm so sorry . But it's just that ... well , he's so amazing and famous . He casts a really big shadow ! Look , do you mind if we don't talk ? I really need to prepare for my audition . It's so typical , isn't it -- an older brother or sister eclipsing a younger one . So , they're usually better -- usually the shining star in the family ! Listen to me ! I'm doing it again , aren't I ? I am sure at this audition you are going to outshine everything your brother Doug has done on stage . Hello I'm next . Wait , are you related to Doug Stravinski ?! Oh man , he's amazing ! Do you use the word "eclipse " like this in your language ?