How Do You Spell OVERLOOK?

Pronunciation: [ˌə͡ʊvəlˈʊk] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "overlook" may seem confusing at first glance, but it follows a consistent pattern in English. The "o" in "over" is pronounced as /oʊ/ and the "e" in "look" is pronounced as /ʊ/, resulting in the phonetic transcription of /ˌoʊvərˈlʊk/. This word means to miss or fail to notice something, and its spelling reflects the combination of the two root words "over" and "look." Understanding the phonetic makeup of this word can help with correct pronunciation and spelling.

OVERLOOK Meaning and Definition

  1. Overlook is a transitive verb that can be defined as the act of unintentionally or deliberately failing to notice or observe something or someone, instead of giving them the attention or recognition they deserve. This concept could cover a range of instances, both physical and metaphorical, where an individual or an object does not grab one's attention or escapes their notice.

    In a physical sense, to overlook can refer to a situation wherein someone fails to see or perceive something that is situated higher than their line of sight or is in an obstructed position. This could involve missing out on details or landmarks in a landscape, for example. In a metaphorical sense, to overlook pertains to disregarding or neglecting certain aspects, issues, or individuals, often unintentionally. This could occur when one dismisses or fails to consider someone's feelings, achievements, or contributions.

    Furthermore, to overlook can also signify the act of forgiving or disregarding a mistake, transgression, or fault, by consciously choosing to not take it into account or hold someone accountable for it. It implies a willingness to ignore or excuse certain flaws or errors. Conversely, overlooking can also indicate the act of supervising or monitoring a particular area, situation, or group, often from a vantage point or higher ground.

    Overall, the term "overlook" encapsulates the idea of inadvertently or consciously disregarding, disregarding, excusing, or failing to notice something or someone, thereby underscoring the aspect of neglect, whether intrinsic or intended.

  2. To view from higher ground; to inspect; to review; to pass by indulgently; to neglect.

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

Common Misspellings for OVERLOOK

Etymology of OVERLOOK

The word "overlook" originated in Middle English as "overloken", derived from the Old English word "ofǣrlocian". It combines the prefix "ofer" meaning "over" or "across" and the verb "locian" meaning "to look". Therefore, "overlook" essentially means to "look over" or "view from above".

Similar spelling words for OVERLOOK

Plural form of OVERLOOK is OVERLOOKS

Conjugate verb Overlook

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

I would have overlooked
you would have overlooked
he/she/it would have overlooked
we would have overlooked
they would have overlooked
I would have overlook
you would have overlook
he/she/it would have overlook
we would have overlook
they would have overlook

CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE

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

CONDITIONAL PRESENT

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

CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE

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

FUTURE

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

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

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

FUTURE PERFECT

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

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

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

IMPERATIVE

you overlook
we let´s overlook

NONFINITE VERB FORMS

to overlook

PAST CONTINUOUS

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

PAST PARTICIPLE

overlooked

PAST PERFECT

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

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

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

PRESENT

I overlook
you overlook
he/she/it overlooks
we overlook
they overlook

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

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

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

overlooking

PRESENT PERFECT

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

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

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

PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE

he/she/it overlook

SIMPLE PAST

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

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