overlook

[ verb oh-ver-look; noun oh-ver-look ]

verb (used with object)

1. to fail to notice, perceive, or consider:

   to overlook a misspelled word.

   Synonyms: miss

2. to disregard or ignore indulgently, as faults or misconduct:

   Only a parent could overlook that kind of behavior.

3. to look over, as from a higher position:

   a balcony that overlooks the ballroom.

4. to afford a view over; look down or out upon:

   a hill overlooking the sea.

5. to rise above:

   The Washington Monument overlooks the tidal basin.

6. to excuse; pardon:

   a minor infraction we can overlook this time.

7. to look over in inspection, examination, or perusal:

   They allowed us to overlook the proposed contract.

8. to look after, oversee, or supervise:

   She has to overlook a large number of employees.

9. Archaic. to look upon with the evil eye; bewitch.

noun

1. terrain, as on a cliff, that affords an attractive vista or a good view:

   Miles of landscape could be seen from the overlook.

overlook

verb

1. to fail to notice or take into account
2. to disregard deliberately or indulgently
3. to look at or over from above

   the garden is overlooked by the prison

4. to afford a view of from above

   the house overlooks the bay

5. to rise above
6. to look after
7. to look at carefully
8. to bewitch or cast the evil eye upon (someone)

noun

1. a high place affording a view
2. an act of overlooking

Word History and Origins

Origin of overlook¹

First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English; over-, look

Synonym Study

See slight.

Example Sentences

A spokesman for Bahrain's government said it "firmly rejects these baseless claims which overlook the substantial progress the Kingdom has achieved in advancing individual rights and the rule of law".

From BBC

All those were big factors, but we cannot overlook how much the Trump campaign was built around a pitch to men that he would finally bring women to heel.

From Salon

There are endless articles about the "male loneliness epidemic," which are well-intended but overlook how too many men follow leaders who openly encourage antisocial behavior.

From Salon

“But we cannot overlook the challenges faced by the communities that live and work near these ports. Too often these communities face serious air quality challenges due to diesel pollution from trucks, ships and other port machinery.”

From Los Angeles Times

A San Francisco native, Farrell served on the Board of Supervisors for seven years representing wealthy neighborhoods that overlook the Golden Gate.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• discount
• forget
• ignore
• omit