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

Just last year, “Anatomy of a Fall” earned nominations for best picture and original screenplay after being overlooked by France.

From Los Angeles Times

Moreover, some subtle lesions of the knee joint may easily be overlooked by radiologists with insufficient experience.

From Science Daily

"Our findings show that over 70% of wild bee species, which are crucial for pollinating our food crops, face significant risks from pesticide residues in soil -- a threat current regulations overlook," says Dr. Rondeau.

From Science Daily

The petition continued: “This personal story is not just about seeking justice for one individual; it’s about challenging a system that often overlooks the plight of our Indigenous brothers and sisters.”

From Los Angeles Times

And, she adds, with the contributions to society made by international students often overlooked, while their post-graduate employment options dry up, there’s growing resentment.

From BBC

Related Words

• discount
• forget
• ignore
• omit