Overlooking: meaning, definitions and examples

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overlooking

 

[ ˌoʊvərˈlʊkɪŋ ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

general use

Overlooking refers to the action of failing to notice or consider something. It can also mean to provide a view or oversight from a higher position.

Synonyms

disregarding, ignoring, overpassing, supervising

Examples of usage

  • She was overlooking the details in her report.
  • The building is overlooking the ocean.
  • He overlooked the mistake in the calculation.
  • They enjoyed a meal overlooking the sunset.

Word origin

The word 'overlooking' originates from the 15th century, coming from the combination of the prefix 'over-' meaning 'above' or 'across' and the verb 'look', which means 'to direct the eyes towards something'. The meaning has evolved to encompass both a sense of supervision, seeing from a superior position, and a failure to notice something important. In architectural terms, buildings that overlook a particular area are often designed for optimal views, indicating not just a literal oversight, but also a strategic one. Over time, the word has metaphorically extended to the realm of judgments and decisions, where one might overlook certain details or factors when making choices.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,196, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.