Overflew Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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overflew
[ˈoʊvərˌfluː ]
Definition
past tense
Overflew is the simple past tense form of the verb 'overfly.' It refers to the action of flying over something or a location. The term is often used in aviation and military contexts.
Synonyms
fly over, overfly, pass over.
Examples of usage
- The plane overflew the city at a high altitude.
- The military jets overflew the designated area during the training exercise.
- He overflew the mountains to reach his destination faster.
Translations
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Origin of 'overflew'
The verb 'overfly' is a compound word formed from 'over' and 'fly.' The prefix 'over-' implies movement across or beyond something, while 'fly' comes from Old English 'flēogan,' meaning to move through the air. 'Overfly' enters the English language as a term that became relevant, particularly in the 20th century with advancements in aviation technology and military tactics. As aviation became more common, the need to describe the action of flying above a certain area without landing or touching down gained importance. The past tense 'overflew' follows the regular verb conjugation rules in English, making it easy to use in both casual and professional contexts.