Overlooking
ˌoʊvərˈlʊkɪŋ
Definitions
3 meaningsTo fail to notice or consider something; to disregard.
ˌoʊvərˈlʊkɪŋ
To fail to notice something
She overlooked the typo in her email.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're reading a story, and there's a clue hidden in the words. 'Overlooking' means you miss seeing that clue, like you weren't paying enough attention.
👶 For kids: When you overlook something, it means you don't see it, even if it's right there!
More Examples
The teacher overlooked his absence from class.
In their haste, they overlooked several important instructions.
How It's Used
"He overlooked the small detail in the contract."
"The company overlooked the impact of the new regulations."
To have a view of something from a higher position.
ˌoʊvərˈlʊkɪŋ
To have a view from above
The penthouse apartment was overlooking the park.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're on a tall building. When your room 'overlooks' the park, it means you can see the park from your window.
👶 For kids: When your house has a view of the ocean, it's like your house is overlooking the ocean!
More Examples
The mountain cabin overlooked a vast valley.
From the top of the hill, the town was overlooked by the forest.
How It's Used
"The balcony was overlooking the garden."
"The apartment overlooks the city."
To supervise or be in charge of (a person or activity).
ˌoʊvərˈlʊkɪŋ
To supervise
The project manager was overlooking the team's work.
💡 Simply: Imagine being a teacher in a classroom. 'Overlooking' means you are watching the students and making sure they are behaving and doing their work.
👶 For kids: When you are overlooking, you are like the boss, making sure everyone is doing what they are supposed to!
More Examples
The security guard was overlooking the premises.
The committee is responsible for overlooking the project.
How It's Used
"The manager was overlooking the operations."
"The supervisor is responsible for overlooking the staff."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
overlook the obvious
To fail to notice something that is very clear.
"He overlooked the obvious solution."
From Middle English *overloken*, equivalent to over- + looking. The "to fail to notice" meaning developed later.
The word has evolved from its original meaning of 'to inspect' to 'to neglect' over time, reflecting changing social and linguistic contexts.
Memory tip
Imagine an *overlook* at a cliff. You might *overlook* the dangers if not careful.
Word Origin
"over (above, across) + look (to see)"