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Overhear: meaning, definitions and examples

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overhear

 

[ ˌoʊvərˈhɪr ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

accidental listening

To overhear means to hear something without the speaker's intention, often by accident. This can occur in various settings, such as while eavesdropping on a conversation or simply being present in a location where someone is speaking. It indicates that the listener has obtained information that they were not meant to receive. Overhearing can sometimes lead to misunderstandings, as the context of the conversation may not be fully understood. Additionally, it can imply a breach of privacy or trust if the information overheard is sensitive.

Synonyms

eavesdrop, hear by chance, listen in

Examples of usage

  • She overheard them discussing their plans.
  • I accidentally overheard a private conversation.
  • He overheard the secret while walking by.
  • They were worried I might overhear their arguments.

Translations

Translations of the word "overhear" in other languages:

🇵🇹 ouvir sem querer

🇮🇳 बिना जानबूझकर सुनना

🇩🇪 überhören

🇮🇩 mendengar tanpa sengaja

🇺🇦 почути мимохідь

🇵🇱 usłyszeć przez przypadek

🇯🇵 偶然耳にする

🇫🇷 entendre par inadvertance

🇪🇸 oír sin querer

🇹🇷 kulak misafiri olmak

🇰🇷 우연히 듣다

🇸🇦 استماع عن غير قصد

🇨🇿 přeslechnout

🇸🇰 neúmyselne počuť

🇨🇳 无意中听到

🇸🇮 slišati po nesreči

🇮🇸 heyra óvart

🇰🇿 кездейсоқ тыңдау

🇬🇪 არასამსახურეობითი მოსმენა

🇦🇿 qeyri-ixtiyari eşitmək

🇲🇽 escuchar sin querer

Word origin

The term 'overhear' originates from the Old English word 'oferheran,' which means 'to hear from above.' The word 'over' suggests a sense of hearing something additional or above what was intended, while 'hear' relates to the ability to perceive sound. This compound nature illustrates the action of receiving information indirectly. By the late Middle Ages, the current form of the word began to take shape, used to describe instances where one might accidentally capture snippets of conversation not meant for them. Over the centuries, the term has evolved into common usage, often reflecting the ethical implications surrounding privacy and eavesdropping.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,028, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.