Overwrite: meaning, definitions and examples

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overwrite

 

[ ˌoʊvərˈraɪt ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

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

replace, substitute, update

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.
Context #2 | Verb

record

To record new data over an existing recording. This process is commonly used in audio and video editing.

Synonyms

record over, rewrite

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.

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

Etymology

The term 'overwrite' originated from the combination of 'over' and 'write', indicating the action of writing over something already written. The concept has been prevalent in technology and data management, where overwriting data refers to replacing old information with new content. This term is commonly used in computing, file editing, and media production.

See also: rewrite, underwrite, underwriter, writ, write, writer, writers, writing, written.