overtake
oh-vuh-TAYK
Overtake (verb) means to pass a slower vehicle, runner, or competitor ahead of you. Example: “He overtook the truck on the motorway.”
verb
1
To pass a slower vehicle, runner, or competitor ahead of you.
"He overtook the truck on the motorway."
"The runner overtook her rival in the final lap."
2
To become larger, better, or more important than something else.
"Streaming sales have overtaken physical album sales."
"China's economy overtook Japan's in size years ago."
How to use overtake
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo catch up to and pass something or someone.
UK vs US
In UK English, "overtake" is the everyday word for passing another vehicle; American English typically uses "pass" instead.
Common pairings
overtake a car
overtake the leader
safely overtake
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Word forms
- Plural
- overtakes
- Third person singular
- overtakes
- Past tense
- overtook, overtaken
Etymology
From Middle English overtaken, built from over- + take, replacing an older verb overnimen with the same meaning.
Related words
Rhymes for overtake
See all rhymes for overtake →Frequently asked questions
What does “overtake” mean?
The word “overtake” means to pass a slower vehicle, runner, or competitor ahead of you. In plain terms, to catch up to and pass something or someone.
How do you pronounce “overtake”?
“Overtake” is pronounced oh-vuh-TAYK (/oʊ̯vɚˈteɪ̯k/ in IPA).
How do you use “overtake” in a sentence?
Here is “overtake” used in a sentence: “Streaming sales have overtaken physical album sales.”
What part of speech is “overtake”?
“Overtake” is a verb.
Where does the word “overtake” come from?
The word “overtake” comes from Middle English. From Middle English overtaken, built from over- + take, replacing an older verb overnimen with the same meaning.
Is “overtake” a common word?
“Overtake” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “overtake” have?
“Overtake” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to pass a slower vehicle, runner, or competitor ahead of you.
