How Do You Spell OVERHEAR?

Pronunciation: [ˌə͡ʊvəhˈi͡ə] (IPA)

The word "overhear" is spelled with the prefix "over-" which means "above, excessively, or too much." The root word "hear" is spelled with the long "e" sound and a silent "h" at the beginning. The phonetic transcription for "overhear" is /ˌoʊvərˈhɪr/. It means to accidentally hear something that was not intended for you. Make sure you spell "overhear" correctly to avoid any confusion or misunderstandings in written communication.

OVERHEAR Meaning and Definition

  1. The verb "overhear" refers to the unintentional act of hearing a conversation, remark, or information that was meant to be private or not directed towards the individual who is listening. It occurs when one inadvertently catches snippets or the entirety of a conversation or audio exchange in which they were not intended to be a participant or listener. This act typically happens when someone is within close proximity to others who are engaged in dialogue and happens to catch some or all of what is being said without intentionally trying to listen.

    The action of overhearing can happen in various situations, such as public spaces, offices, cafés, or homes, where individuals communicate or engage in conversations without being aware that their words might be overheard by others. It is essential to note that overhearing is often unintentional, as it does not involve any proactive eavesdropping or deliberate invasion of privacy. Instead, it occurs incidentally when someone happens to be in the vicinity or earshot of the conversation, inadvertently capturing the audible information.

    Overhearing can also occur through electronic means, such as phone conversations, video chats, or electronic messages erroneously forwarded to an unintended recipient. This unintended access to conversations or information can lead to unexpected insights or awareness regarding topics or situations that were never meant for the person overhearing.

    In summary, overhear implies unintentionally catching or unintentionally listening to a conversation or information without the speaker's knowledge or intention.

  2. To hear what is not intended to be heard by one; to hear by accident.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for OVERHEAR

Etymology of OVERHEAR

The word "overhear" has its etymology rooted in Middle English. It originated from the combination of two words: "over" and "hear".

The prefix "over-" in this context means "above" or "beyond". It indicates an action or situation that surpasses or goes beyond what is expected or usual.

The verb "hear" comes from the Old English word "hieran", which means "to perceive by ear" or "to listen". It has Germanic origins and is related to similar words in other Germanic languages.

Therefore, "overhear" essentially means to hear something that was not intended for one's ears or to accidentally listen in on a conversation in which one is not directly involved.

Similar spelling words for OVERHEAR

Conjugate verb Overhear

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

I would have overheard
you would have overheard
he/she/it would have overheard
we would have overheard
they would have overheard
I would have overhear
you would have overhear
he/she/it would have overhear
we would have overhear
they would have overhear

CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE

I would have been overhearing
you would have been overhearing
he/she/it would have been overhearing
we would have been overhearing
they would have been overhearing

CONDITIONAL PRESENT

I would overhear
you would overhear
he/she/it would overhear
we would overhear
they would overhear

CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE

I would be overhearing
you would be overhearing
he/she/it would be overhearing
we would be overhearing
they would be overhearing

FUTURE

I will overhear
you will overhear
he/she/it will overhear
we will overhear
they will overhear

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

I will be overhearing
you will be overhearing
he/she/it will be overhearing
we will be overhearing
they will be overhearing

FUTURE PERFECT

I will have overheard
you will have overheard
he/she/it will have overheard
we will have overheard
they will have overheard

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I will have been overhearing
you will have been overhearing
he/she/it will have been overhearing
we will have been overhearing
they will have been overhearing

IMPERATIVE

you overhear
we let´s overhear

NONFINITE VERB FORMS

to overhear

PAST CONTINUOUS

I was overhearing
you were overhearing
he/she/it was overhearing
we were overhearing
they were overhearing

PAST PARTICIPLE

overheard

PAST PERFECT

I had overheard
you had overheard
he/she/it had overheard
we had overheard
they had overheard

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I had been overhearing
you had been overhearing
he/she/it had been overhearing
we had been overhearing
they had been overhearing

PRESENT

I overhear
you overhear
he/she/it overhears
we overhear
they overhear

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

I am overhearing
you are overhearing
he/she/it is overhearing
we are overhearing
they are overhearing

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

overhearing

PRESENT PERFECT

I have overheard
you have overheard
he/she/it has overheard
we have overheard
they have overheard

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I have been overhearing
you have been overhearing
he/she/it has been overhearing
we have been overhearing
they have been overhearing

PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE

he/she/it overhear

SIMPLE PAST

I overheard
you overheard
he/she/it overheard
we overheard
they overheard

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