Overseas Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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overseas
[ˌəʊvəˈsiːz ]
Definitions
international business
In or to a foreign country, especially one across the sea.
Synonyms
abroad, across the sea, over the sea.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| overseas |
Used when referring to places across oceans and often in a business or military context.
|
| abroad |
Commonly used when talking about traveling or living in other countries.
|
| across the sea |
Literary or poetic context often referring to distant places across the ocean.
|
| over the sea |
Similar to 'across the sea', but more commonly used in modern contexts.
|
Examples of usage
- He travels overseas for work every month.
- The company has many overseas branches.
travel
Situated across the sea from the mainland.
Synonyms
abroad, foreign, international.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| overseas |
refers to anything across the sea, often used when talking about long distances or when the destination is literally separated by a sea or ocean.
|
| abroad |
commonly used when talking about being in or traveling to a foreign country in general. It doesn't necessarily imply crossing the sea.
|
| foreign |
refers to something or someone from another country. Can be used to describe objects, policies, languages, etc. Sometimes has a neutral to slightly negative connotation depending on context.
|
| international |
used for interactions or activities that involve multiple countries. Often used in business, travel, and diplomacy contexts.
|
Examples of usage
- The overseas resort offers stunning views of the ocean.
- She dreams of taking an overseas vacation.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Travel and Migration
- Overseas travel surged during the 19th century due to increased immigration and trade activities around the world.
- Many countries have expat communities overseas, where citizens live in foreign countries for work or study.
Culture
- Overseas cultures influence each other; for example, food, music, and art from one region often blend with others.
- Globalization has made it common for businesses to operate overseas, resulting in cultural exchanges and collaborations.
History
- During the Age of Exploration in the 15th century, European nations sought overseas territories for trade and resources.
- In World War II, many soldiers were deployed overseas, leading to significant global changes and alliances.
Economics
- Overseas investment is a critical factor in global economies, affecting jobs and markets in both home and host countries.
- Multinational corporations often operate overseas to take advantage of cheaper labor and materials.
Origin of 'overseas'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from Middle English, combining 'over' (meaning above or across) and 'sea' (the big water body).
- In the 15th century, the term was often used to describe trade routes across oceans.
The word 'overseas' originated in the mid-16th century, combining 'over' and 'seas'. It has been used to refer to countries or regions across the sea from the speaker's location. Over time, the term has become commonly used in the context of travel, business, and international relations.
See also: sea, seabed, seaboard, seafarer, seafoam, seafood, seafront, seam, seaman, seashell, seashells, seaside.
Word Frequency Rank
With rank #4,202, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.
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- 4199 representations
- 4200 treating
- 4201 tribe
- 4202 overseas
- 4203 compromise
- 4204 prince
- 4205 reliability
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