Over
/ˈoʊvər/
Definitions
6 meaningsAbove and typically covering; on top of.
/ˈoʊvər/
Indicating position above or on top of something
The cat jumped over the fence.
💡 Simply: Like when a plane flies *over* your town, it's above it. Or, when you put a blanket *over* you to keep warm.
👶 For kids: Being on top of something or covering something else.
More Examples
She held the umbrella over her head.
There's a bridge over the river.
How It's Used
"The bird flew over the house."
Across or through.
/ˈoʊvər/
Indicating movement across or through a space.
They drove over the mountains.
💡 Simply: When you go *over* the bridge or *over* the hill. It means you’re going across something.
👶 For kids: Going from one side to the other.
More Examples
The runner sprinted over the finish line.
We walked over to his house.
How It's Used
"She walked over the bridge."
Throughout the duration of.
/ˈoʊvər/
Indicating a period of time.
We discussed the project over lunch.
💡 Simply: Like, *over* the weekend, or *over* a long time. It's describing a time period.
👶 For kids: Happening during a certain time.
More Examples
Over time, he learned to be patient.
I'll think it over before deciding.
How It's Used
"Over the years, things have changed."
Finished; ended.
/ˈoʊvər/
Finished or completed
The movie is over.
💡 Simply: When something is *over*, it's done. Like the movie is *over*, or the work is *over*.
👶 For kids: All done.
More Examples
The meeting is over.
Is your work over?
How It's Used
"The game is over."
Finished; ended.
/ˈoʊvər/
Indicating an end or completion
The concert is over.
💡 Simply: Just like when something is 'all *over*,' like the game is *over*, you can't do it anymore.
👶 For kids: All done.
More Examples
Let's get this over with.
The worst is over.
How It's Used
"The meeting is over."
To a greater degree or amount than.
/ˈoʊvər/
Indicating excessive amount
She is over the limit.
💡 Simply: When there's 'an *over* amount'. You have *over* 100 friends on social media, it means you have more than 100.
👶 For kids: More than enough.
More Examples
The price is over $100.
He's over 30 years old.
How It's Used
"He ate over 100 cookies."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
over and over
Repeatedly; many times.
"He told the story over and over again."
over the top
Excessive; exaggerated.
"The decorations were a little over the top."
it's all over
The end; finished.
"It's all over now."
From Old English ofer, from Proto-Germanic *ubiraz ('above, beyond').
The word 'over' has existed since Old English, evolving from its Germanic roots to signify a wide range of positions, durations, and completions.
Memory tip
Think of an umbrella *over* your head during rain.