noun
Common
overview
OH-vuh-vyoo
Overview (noun) means a short summary that covers the main points of something without going into detail. Example: “This chapter gives a clear overview of how the heart works.”
noun
1
A short summary that covers the main points of something without going into detail.
"This chapter gives a clear overview of how the heart works."
"The report opens with a brief overview of the findings."
"Let me give you an overview of the project before we dive in."
How to use overview
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA general summary that gives you the big picture.
Common pairings
brief overview
general overview
give an overview
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Word forms
- Plural
- overviews
- Third person singular
- overviews
- Past tense
- overviewed
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
This chapter gives a clear _____ of how the heart works.
Etymology
From over- + view.
Related words
Rhymes for overview
See all rhymes for overview →Frequently asked questions
What does “overview” mean?
The word “overview” means a short summary that covers the main points of something without going into detail. In plain terms, a general summary that gives you the big picture.
How do you pronounce “overview”?
“Overview” is pronounced OH-vuh-vyoo (/ˈoʊ.vɚˌvjuː/ in IPA).
How do you use “overview” in a sentence?
Here is “overview” used in a sentence: “The report opens with a brief overview of the findings.”
What part of speech is “overview”?
“Overview” is a noun.
Is “overview” a common word?
“Overview” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is the difference between an "overview" and a "summary"?
An overview gives a broad, big-picture view of a subject's main points, often as an introduction before the detail. A summary usually condenses something that has already been presented, so an overview tends to look forward while a summary looks back.
Do you write "an overview of" or "an overview on"?
The standard preposition is "of," as in "an overview of the project" or "an overview of the results." "An overview on" is generally considered incorrect.
What is the difference between an "overview" and an "outline"?
An overview describes the main points in prose to give a general sense of a topic, while an outline lays out the structure or headings, often as a list. An outline shows how something is organized; an overview explains what it is about.
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