Overlooked
ˌoʊvərˈlʊkt
Definitions
3 meaningsTo fail to notice or consider; to disregard.
ˌoʊvərˈlʊk
To fail to notice or consider something.
The report overlooked several key factors that influenced the outcome.
💡 Simply: It's like when you're reading and you miss a word or when you're playing a game and you don't see something important. It's like it's hiding in plain sight!
👶 For kids: To not see something, like when you don't see your toys in your messy room.
More Examples
We overlooked the potential risks, and now we're facing the consequences.
He overlooked my concerns and proceeded with the plan anyway.
How It's Used
"I overlooked a crucial detail in the contract."
"The company overlooked the potential impact of the new regulations."
To have a view of (something) from above.
ˌoʊvərˈlʊk
To have a view of something from above.
Our balcony overlooked the beautiful harbor.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're on a hill and the town is below you and you can see it perfectly. That's what it means!
👶 For kids: To be able to see something from up high.
More Examples
The castle, perched on the hill, overlooked the entire city.
The windows of the hotel overlooked the ocean.
How It's Used
"The house overlooked the valley."
"The apartment overlooks the park."
Not noticed or considered; ignored.
ˌoʊvərˈlʊkt
Not given enough attention
An overlooked artist who had been painting for 30 years, his work was spectacular.
💡 Simply: When something is overlooked, it means that people weren't paying attention and missed something important, or an oppourtunity.
👶 For kids: something that someone does not look at
More Examples
It's an overlooked feature in the design.
How It's Used
"This overlooked artist had been painting for 30 years, his work was spectacular."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
Overlook the past
To forgive or forget past mistakes or offenses.
"Let's overlook the past and start fresh."
From Middle English *overloken*, from Old English *oferlōcan* ('to look over, inspect').
Used since the late 14th century, with the meaning of 'to look over or inspect'. The figurative meaning (fail to notice) developed later.
Memory tip
Imagine looking over a tall wall – you might overlook something on the other side. Think of a visual 'over the look' or 'over look'.
Word Origin
"ofer (over) + lōcan (to look)"