Over: meaning, definitions and examples

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over

 

[ ˈoʊvər ]

Adverb / Preposition
Oxford 3000
Context #1 | Adverb

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?

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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.

  • The bird flew over the house.
  • The temperature is over 90 degrees today.
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'.

  • The clouds were floating above the mountains.
  • Her grades are above average this semester.
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.

  • She has more than enough experience for this job.
  • We need more than ten volunteers to finish on time.
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.

  • The village is just beyond the river.
  • This issue is beyond my understanding.
exceeding

This term is often used in formal or technical contexts to indicate that something goes over a particular limit or threshold.

  • His performance is exceeding expectations.
  • The speed was exceeding the legal limit.

Examples of usage

  • The temperature outside is over 30 degrees Celsius.
  • She has over 1000 followers on social media.
Context #2 | Preposition

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?

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Word Description / Examples
over

Refers to something that is moving or positioned directly on top of something else, often indicating movement or distance covered.

  • She threw the blanket over the bed.
  • The plane flew over the mountains.
above

Indicates a position higher than something else, but not necessarily directly over it.

  • The painting hangs above the fireplace.
  • Temperatures above freezing are expected today.
across

Used to describe movement from one side to another, usually involving a surface or barrier.

  • We walked across the bridge.
  • She looked across the room and saw him.
on top of

Describes something physically resting directly on another surface or object.

  • He placed the book on top of the table.
  • The cat likes to sleep on top of the refrigerator.
beyond

Implies something further away, either in a physical sense or in terms of scope or understanding.

  • The park extends beyond the river.
  • This issue is beyond my comprehension.

Examples of usage

  • The roof over the house was damaged in the storm.
  • The bridge extends over the river.

Translations

Translations of the word "over" in other languages:

🇵🇹 sobre

🇮🇳 ऊपर

🇩🇪 über

🇮🇩 atas

🇺🇦 над

🇵🇱 nad

🇯🇵 

🇫🇷 sur

🇪🇸 sobre

🇹🇷 üzerinde

🇰🇷 위에

🇸🇦 فوق

🇨🇿 nad

🇸🇰 nad

🇨🇳 在...之上

🇸🇮 nad

🇮🇸 yfir

🇰🇿 үстінде

🇬🇪 ზევით

🇦🇿 üzərində

🇲🇽 sobre

Etymology

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.

See also: overage, overcast, overly.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #51, this word is extremely common in English. It's a crucial part of basic vocabulary that's used constantly in both spoken and written communication, making it essential for even basic conversations.