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Overheard: meaning, definitions and examples

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overheard

 

[ หŒoสŠvษ™rหˆhษชrd ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

accidentally hearing

To overhear means to hear something without the speakers' intention for you to hear it. This typically occurs when someone is discussing something privately, and you happen to catch their conversation. Overhearing can happen in various settings like at home, in public places, or during events. It can lead to misunderstandings or gaining information that one wasn't supposed to know. The term suggests a sense of eavesdropping without actively trying to listen.

Synonyms

attend, catch, eavesdrop, listen in, overhear

Examples of usage

  • I accidentally overheard their conversation about the surprise party.
  • She overheard him talking about his plans for the weekend.
  • While walking by, I overheard a heated discussion.
  • He overheard the gossip while waiting in line.

Translations

Translations of the word "overheard" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น ouvir sem querer

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคธเฅเคจเคจเคพ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช รผberhรถren

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ mendengar tanpa sengaja

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฟั–ะดัะปัƒั…ะฐั‚ะธ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ przypadkowo usล‚yszeฤ‡

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ่€ณใซใ™ใ‚‹

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท entendre par inadvertance

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ oรญr accidentalmente

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท duymak

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์šฐ์—ฐํžˆ ๋“ฃ๋‹ค

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุณู…ุน ุฏูˆู† ู‚ุตุฏ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ pล™eslechnout

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ neรบmyselne poฤuลฅ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๆ— ๆ„ไธญๅฌๅˆฐ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ sliลกati mimogrede

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ heyra รณvart

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะตัั‚ั–

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ’แƒแƒแƒกแƒ›แƒ”แƒœแƒ˜แƒ—

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ eลŸitmษ™k

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ escuchar accidentalmente

Etymology

The term 'overheard' originated from the Middle English term 'overheren,' which means to hear something beyond what was intended for the listener. It combines the prefix 'over-' indicating excess or beyond, and the verb 'hear.' The use of 'overhear' dates back to the 14th century, when it was predominantly used in literary and formal contexts. Over the years, 'overheard' has been adopted into everyday language, particularly as social interactions and conversational dynamics evolved. The concept of overhearing remains culturally relevant today, particularly in informal settings where private conversations can easily become accessible to bystanders.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,006, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.