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Oversight Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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oversight

[หˆoสŠvษ™rsaษชt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

government

Oversight refers to the act of supervising or controlling a particular activity or situation, especially by a person in authority.

Synonyms

control, monitoring, supervision.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
oversight

Used when discussing the responsibility of watching and directing a process to ensure it is done correctly, often in a managerial or regulatory context.

  • The project was completed under the careful oversight of the senior manager.
  • Government oversight is necessary to prevent corporate fraud.
supervision

Describes the action of overseeing people or activities, ensuring tasks are completed properly, often in a workplace or educational setting.

  • The new employees are still under supervision during their training period.
  • Supervision is necessary to ensure that all safety protocols are followed.
control

Indicates authority over something or someone, often implying the power to make decisions and enforce rules.

  • She took control of the situation to prevent further chaos.
  • The company maintains strict control over its production process.
monitoring

Refers to the continuous observation and checking of a process or situation to ensure it operates correctly, often in a technical or medical context.

  • The patient requires constant monitoring after the surgery.
  • We are continuously monitoring the system for any signs of malfunction.

Examples of usage

  • The committee provides oversight of the department's budget.
  • The government's oversight of the project ensured compliance with regulations.
Context #2 | Noun

mistake

Oversight can also mean an unintentional failure to notice or do something, a mistake.

Synonyms

error, mistake, neglect.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
oversight

See above for the context and examples.
mistake

This word is commonly used in everyday conversation to describe something done incorrectly. It is more informal than 'error' and can be used for both minor and major issues.

  • I made a mistake in my homework.
  • It was a mistake to trust him.
error

Use this in both formal and informal situations to describe a mistake or something incorrect. It can refer to a wide range of issues, from simple typos to major faults.

  • There was an error in the calculation.
  • The software update fixed several errors.
neglect

Should be used when referring to a failure to care for something or someone properly. It often carries a negative connotation and implies a sense of irresponsibility.

  • The garden showed signs of neglect.
  • He faced charges of child neglect.

Examples of usage

  • It was an oversight on my part not to double-check the document.
  • The error was simply an oversight and not intentional.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Law

  • In legal contexts, oversight can describe a lack of regulation or monitoring which may lead to serious mistakes.
  • Regulatory bodies often institute oversight to prevent errors in industries like finance and healthcare.

Business

  • In management, oversight refers to the process of ensuring that companies meet their standards and regulations.
  • Good management requires oversight to maintain efficiency and prevent mistakes in projects.

Psychology

  • Cognitive biases can cause oversight, as humans often overlook details due to assumptions or mental shortcuts.
  • Stress and multitasking can increase the likelihood of oversight, as people may miss critical information.

Pop Culture

  • Many movies and stories highlight the theme of oversight, where characters miss crucial clues leading to dramatic consequences.
  • Oversight is often a plot device in mysteries, showcasing how important details can be overlooked in the quest for a solution.

Origin of 'oversight'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old English word 'ลซversฤซen', meaning to oversee or watch over.
  • Originally, it referred to careful observation, but it has evolved to often mean missing something due to inattention.

The word 'oversight' originated in the late 16th century from the combination of 'over' and 'sight', implying a supervisory role or the act of watching over something. Over time, the term has evolved to encompass both the meaning of supervision and the unintentional failure to notice something. The concept of oversight is fundamental in various aspects of governance, management, and daily life.

See also: foresight, insight, nearsighted, sight, sighting, sightless, sightline, sights, sightseeing, sightseer, unsightliness, unsightly.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #7,860 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.