overlook
OH-vuh-luuk
Overlook (verb) means to fail to notice something, or to miss it despite it being there. Example: “The editor overlooked a glaring typo on the front page.”
verb
1
To fail to notice something, or to miss it despite it being there.
"The editor overlooked a glaring typo on the front page."
2
To choose not to hold something against someone; to let a mistake pass without punishing it.
"I'll overlook the late arrival just this once."
3
To have a view down over something from a higher position.
"The balcony overlooks the harbour."
noun
1
A point or spot that gives a wide view down over an area.
"Tourists stopped at the overlook to take photos of the canyon."
How to use overlook
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither missing something by accident, deciding to let it go, or physically having a view down over an area.
Common mistake
Don't confuse "overlook" (miss/excuse) with "oversee" (supervise) — they sound similar but mean nearly opposite things in terms of attention.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
overlook a detail
overlook the harbour
overlook a mistake
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Word forms
- Plural
- overlooks
- Third person singular
- overlooks
- Past tense
- overlooked
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The editor _____ a glaring typo on the front page.
Etymology
From Middle English overloken, formed from over- + look.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for overlook
See all rhymes for overlook →Frequently asked questions
What does “overlook” mean?
The word “overlook” means to fail to notice something, or to miss it despite it being there. In plain terms, either missing something by accident, deciding to let it go, or physically having a view down over an area.
How do you pronounce “overlook”?
“Overlook” is pronounced OH-vuh-luuk (/ˈoʊ.vɚˌlʊk/ in IPA).
How do you use “overlook” in a sentence?
Here is “overlook” used in a sentence: “The editor overlooked a glaring typo on the front page.”
What part of speech is “overlook”?
Depending on how it is used, “overlook” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “overlook” come from?
The word “overlook” comes from Middle English. From Middle English overloken, formed from over- + look.
Is “overlook” a common word?
“Overlook” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “overlook” have?
“Overlook” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to fail to notice something, or to miss it despite it being there.
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