Overlooking Meaning: Definition and Examples
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overlooking
[ˌoʊvərˈlʊkɪŋ ]
Definition
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.
Interesting Facts
Literature
- In many poems, the act of overlooking is used as a metaphor for not seeing the emotional pain or beauty in a situation.
- Classic novels often feature characters who overlook the truth about their friends or their own lives, leading to dramatic outcomes.
- The phrase 'overlooking the obvious' is frequently found in detective stories, highlighting how clues can be missed.
Geography
- In geographical terms, an overlooking view can create picturesque scenic landscapes, attracting tourists to mountain resorts.
- Cities often have lookout points that allow visitors to overlook vast areas for a breathtaking experience.
- Structural designs like balconies or terraces are built with the idea of overlooking beautiful views.
Psychology
- Overlooking can be linked to selective attention, where the brain focuses on certain stimuli while ignoring others.
- People may overlook feelings or behaviors in others that are obvious to outsiders, a concept studied in social psychology.
- This term is also significant in cognitive distortion theories, where individuals overlook positives in their lives.
Art
- Artists often depict scenes of individuals overlooking landscapes, capturing a moment of reflection or contemplation.
- The concept has been explored in various paintings, representing themes of distance and emotional isolation.
- Art installations may use the idea of overlooking to create interactive experiences where viewers overlook their surroundings.
Origin of 'overlooking'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from combining 'over', meaning 'above', and 'look', which means to see.
- First recorded use dates back to the 14th century, showing how long people have used this way of talking.
- In Old English, 'locan' was used to mean 'to look', linking to modern usage.
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.