Overheard: meaning, definitions and examples
๐
overheard
[ หoสvษrหhษชrd ]
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:
๐ต๐น ouvir sem querer
๐ฎ๐ณ เคธเฅเคจเคจเคพ
๐ฉ๐ช รผberhรถren
๐ฎ๐ฉ mendengar tanpa sengaja
๐บ๐ฆ ะฟัะดัะปัั ะฐัะธ
๐ต๐ฑ przypadkowo usลyszeฤ
๐ฏ๐ต ่ณใซใใ
๐ซ๐ท entendre par inadvertance
๐ช๐ธ oรญr accidentalmente
๐น๐ท duymak
๐ฐ๐ท ์ฐ์ฐํ ๋ฃ๋ค
๐ธ๐ฆ ุณู ุน ุฏูู ูุตุฏ
๐จ๐ฟ pลeslechnout
๐ธ๐ฐ neรบmyselne poฤuลฅ
๐จ๐ณ ๆ ๆไธญๅฌๅฐ
๐ธ๐ฎ sliลกati mimogrede
๐ฎ๐ธ heyra รณvart
๐ฐ๐ฟ ะตััั
๐ฌ๐ช แแแแกแแแแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ eลitmษk
๐ฒ๐ฝ 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.
- ...
- 14003 galvanized
- 14004 veneration
- 14005 repulsive
- 14006 overheard
- 14007 veneer
- 14008 reaffirmed
- 14009 fearless
- ...