Overwrite: meaning, definitions and examples
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overwrite
[ˌoʊvərˈraɪt ]
Definitions
file editing
To write over existing data, replacing it with new information. This action can be irreversible and may result in loss of previous content.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| overwrite |
Use when you want to completely write over existing data, often without the possibility to retrieve the old information.
|
| replace |
Use when you want to remove something and put something new in its place.
|
| update |
Use when you want to bring something to a more current or modern state, usually by adding new information.
|
| substitute |
Use when you want to use one thing instead of another, usually temporarily or for specific conditions.
|
Examples of usage
- You should be careful not to overwrite important files.
- After saving the changes, the document will be overwritten.
- The system prompted a warning before allowing the overwrite process.
record
To record new data over an existing recording. This process is commonly used in audio and video editing.
Synonyms
record over, rewrite.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| overwrite |
Use this term when you are replacing existing data or information with new data. Often used in technology and data management.
|
Examples of usage
- The musician decided to overwrite the vocals with a new recording.
- In video production, it is common to overwrite scenes during editing.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The term 'overwrite' originates from combining 'over' meaning 'on top of' and 'write', which has roots in the Old English 'writan', meaning 'to scratch or draw'.
- The use of 'overwrite' in computing started gaining popularity in the late 20th century as digital storage became common.
- In the context of writing, the term implies applying new text over existing text, which can refer to both digital and physical formats.
Technology
- In computing, overwriting can lead to data loss if old files are not backed up before saving new ones.
- Modern software often includes warnings when users are about to overwrite existing files to prevent accidental loss of important data.
- Overwriting is a common method used in data security to erase sensitive information from storage devices.
Psychology
- The metaphor of overwriting can be related to how humans process memories, where new experiences can reshape our perceptions of past events.
- In psychological terms, when we overwrite negative memories with positive experiences, it can aid in emotional healing.
- The phenomenon of 'memory overwrite' pertains to how new information can displace older memories in our brain, altering our recall.
Literature
- Authors often overwrite previous drafts as part of the writing process, refining their narratives and characters with each version.
- In poetry, overwriting can involve revising lines to enhance imagery or emotional impact, drawing a parallel to the concept of layered meaning.
- The struggle of overwriting is a frequent theme in literature, symbolizing the challenges of change and renewal in character arcs.
Art
- Artists might overwrite an existing canvas with new colors and techniques, symbolizing transformation and evolution in their work.
- The act of overwriting in art can reflect the idea of palimpsest, where layers of history and meaning are revealed through the process of creation.
- In graffiti, overwriting can symbolize competition or dominance among artists, as one tag often covers another.
Translations
Translations of the word "overwrite" in other languages:
🇵🇹 sobrescrever
🇮🇳 अधिलेखित करना
🇩🇪 überschreiben
🇮🇩 menimpa
🇺🇦 перезаписати
🇵🇱 nadpisać
🇯🇵 上書きする
🇫🇷 écraser
🇪🇸 sobrescribir
🇹🇷 üzerine yazmak
🇰🇷 덮어쓰기
🇸🇦 الكتابة فوق
🇨🇿 přepsat
🇸🇰 prepísať
🇨🇳 覆盖
🇸🇮 prepisati
🇮🇸 yfirskrifa
🇰🇿 қайта жазу
🇬🇪 გადაწერა
🇦🇿 üstünə yazmaq
🇲🇽 sobrescribir