Finesentence logo

Overtaken: meaning, definitions and examples

🏎️
Add to dictionary

overtaken

 

[ oʊvəˈteɪkən ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

driving situation

Overtaken refers to the action of passing someone or something that is moving slower than oneself. This term is often used in the context of driving where one vehicle moves ahead of another. It can also apply in competition scenarios, such as in sports where one competitor moves past another. Overtaking requires caution and awareness of road conditions and the behavior of the other driver.

Synonyms

outpaced, passed, surpassed

Examples of usage

  • He overtook the car in front of him on the highway.
  • She was overtaken by her rival during the race.
  • The cyclist overtook the slower riders effortlessly.

Translations

Translations of the word "overtaken" in other languages:

🇵🇹 ultrapassado

🇮🇳 पीछे छोड़ दिया गया

🇩🇪 überholt

🇮🇩 dilewati

🇺🇦 перегнано

🇵🇱 wyprzedzony

🇯🇵 追い越された

🇫🇷 dépassé

🇪🇸 sobrepasado

🇹🇷 geçilmiş

🇰🇷 추월당한

🇸🇦 تجاوز

🇨🇿 překonán

🇸🇰 predbehnutý

🇨🇳 超越的

🇸🇮 presežen

🇮🇸 yfirfarið

🇰🇿 алда кеткен

🇬🇪 გადატანილი

🇦🇿 keçmiş

🇲🇽 sobrepasado

Etymology

The word 'overtake' originates from the combination of the prefix 'over-' meaning 'above' or 'exceeding' and 'take', which comes from the Old English 'tacan' meaning 'to grasp'. It first appeared in the English language in the late 15th century. Over time, the term evolved in usage, especially in relation to transportation and racing contexts. In modern usage, it is commonly associated with vehicles but can also be applied to any situation where one entity comes to dominate or surpass another. The usage in literature and speaking reflects a broader context of competition and progress.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,819, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.