Overtaking Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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overtaking

[หˆoสŠvษ™rหŒteษชkษชล‹ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

on the road

Passing another vehicle traveling in the same direction by moving ahead of it.

Synonyms

going past, passing, surpassing.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
overtaking

Appears to be a duplicate of the first entry. See the description above for appropriate usage.

  • She was fined for overtaking another car illegally.
  • Our company is overtaking our main competitor in market share.
passing

Used in both driving contexts and in situations where someone or something moves from one side to another. It also has a broader range, including passing of time or objects.

  • She was passing cars on the highway.
  • Time is passing by quickly.
going past

This phrase is informal and can be used in various situations, such as walking, running, or driving, to indicate moving beyond someone or something.

  • He didn't notice me when I was going past him in the hallway.
  • We slowed down when we were going past the school zone.
surpassing

This word has a more formal tone and is often used to describe exceeding expectations or outdoing someone or something in performance, achievements, or quality.

  • Her performance in the exam was surpassing all expectations.
  • Their sales figures are surpassing those of all their competitors.

Examples of usage

  • He was fined for reckless overtaking on the highway.
  • The driver in front of me is overtaking a slow-moving truck.
Context #2 | Noun

in sports

The act of moving ahead of a competitor in a race or competition.

Synonyms

outstripping, passing, surpassing.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
overtaking

Commonly used when one vehicle or person moves ahead of another in the same direction.

  • The car was overtaking a truck in the fast lane
passing

Generally used to describe moving past someone or something, often in sports or when referring to an exam or test.

  • He was passing other runners easily in the marathon
surpassing

Often used to indicate exceeding a certain standard or expectation, typically in a positive sense.

  • Her performance in the concert was surpassing all expectations
outstripping

Used to describe surpassing or exceeding someone or something in performance, amount, or development.

  • The new smartphone model is outstripping all previous sales records

Examples of usage

  • Hamilton made an impressive overtaking maneuver to take the lead.
  • The team's success was due in part to their aggressive overtaking tactics.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Traffic Regulations

  • Many countries have specific rules about overtaking, such as only doing it on certain roads or in designated lanes.
  • Overtaking on the right side is illegal in many regions, promoting safety by encouraging drivers to use their mirrors and signals.
  • In some places, drivers must give way to cars already in front before overtaking, ensuring smoother traffic flow.

Sports

  • In competitive racing, overtaking is a key strategy and can determine the outcome of a race.
  • Drivers often use techniques like slipstreaming to gain speed from the car ahead, allowing for a more effective overtaking move.
  • Successful overtaking in motorsport showcases a driver's skill and understanding of their vehicle's dynamics.

Psychology

  • The act of overtaking can evoke feelings of dominance and success, impacting a driver's confidence on the road.
  • Research shows that how one approaches overtaking can illustrate personal traits, such as risk-taking or cautious behavior.
  • Adrenaline can surge during overtaking, activating the body's fight-or-flight response as drivers assess speed and distance.

Engineering

  • The design of mirrors in vehicles has evolved, aiding in reducing blind spots for safer overtaking.
  • Advanced driver-assistance systems now help with overtaking by predicting when itโ€™s safe based on traffic conditions.
  • The aerodynamics of cars play a critical role in their ability to overtake efficiently, optimizing speed against drag.

History

  • Overtaking has changed dramatically since the invention of motor vehicles, with early cars designed with more basic performance characteristics.
  • As roads and infrastructure improved, the techniques and rules for overtaking evolved to improve safety and efficiency.
  • The introduction of speed limits influenced overtaking behavior, necessitating new strategies for drivers within those constraints.

Origin of 'overtaking'

The word 'overtaking' originated from the combination of the prefix 'over-' meaning 'beyond' or 'more than' and the verb 'take'. It has been used in the context of passing or moving ahead of something since the early 19th century. The term is commonly associated with driving and racing, reflecting the competitive nature of overtaking in various contexts.


Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,406, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.