Over Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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over
[ˈoʊvər ]
Definitions
in excess or beyond the usual or specified amount
To a higher level, degree, or intensity than usual.
Synonyms
above, beyond, exceeding, more than.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| over |
This word is used to describe a position higher than something else, or to indicate that something has been surpassed. It is also often used to indicate more than a certain amount.
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| above |
This word is frequently used to describe something that is higher than a particular point, often without touching it. It's typically used in more formal contexts compared to 'over'.
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| more than |
This phrase is used to indicate a quantity greater than a particular number or amount. It is often used in more casual, everyday contexts.
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| beyond |
This word is used to indicate that something is further away or more advanced than a particular point or limit. It's often used metaphorically as well.
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| exceeding |
This term is often used in formal or technical contexts to indicate that something goes over a particular limit or threshold.
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Examples of usage
- The temperature outside is over 30 degrees Celsius.
- She has over 1000 followers on social media.
extending physically or metaphorically above or beyond
Extending physically or metaphorically above or beyond; covering.
Synonyms
above, across, beyond, on top of.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| over |
Refers to something that is moving or positioned directly on top of something else, often indicating movement or distance covered.
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| above |
Indicates a position higher than something else, but not necessarily directly over it.
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| across |
Used to describe movement from one side to another, usually involving a surface or barrier.
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| on top of |
Describes something physically resting directly on another surface or object.
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| beyond |
Implies something further away, either in a physical sense or in terms of scope or understanding.
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Examples of usage
- The roof over the house was damaged in the storm.
- The bridge extends over the river.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Linguistics
- 'Over' is a versatile preposition used in many phrases, indicating direction, position, and quantity.
- In grammar, it can also function as a prefix, as in 'overestimate' or 'overlook', adding the meaning of excess.
Pop Culture
- Phrases like 'over the rainbow' from 'The Wizard of Oz' have made this term iconic in popular music and film.
- 'Over' appears frequently in song lyrics, often symbolizing emotional highs or excess.
Psychology
- The concept of being 'overwhelmed' shows how the term relates to feelings, specifically when one experiences too much at once.
- Studies suggest that feeling 'over' something (like hurt or sadness) can be a healthy part of emotional healing and growth.
Science
- In mathematics, 'over' can describe a value that exceeds another, such as a 'overestimate' in calculations.
- In physics, the term can refer to forces acting 'over' an object, explaining concepts like gravity's pull.
Origin of 'over'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'over' comes from the Old English 'ofer', which meant 'above' or 'across'.
- This term has roots in various Germanic languages, with similar meanings found in Dutch and German.
The word 'over' originated from Middle English, from Old English ofer, of Germanic origin; related to Dutch over and German über. In Old English, the word was also used in the sense of 'above', 'across', 'beyond'. Over time, its usage expanded to include various meanings related to excess, covering, and more.