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

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

He not only failed to transmit his ideas but the players were visibly sad, unhappy or overlooked.

From BBC

“The story as a whole, it’s all about getting everybody together and also to find those individuals who might be overlooked.”

From Los Angeles Times

“I am concerned that the Home Office deviated from standard practice, overlooked warnings about the condition of the site and lacked expertise to properly oversee the purchase of Northeye.”

From BBC

“The debate on the height gap between Indian and Sub-Saharan African children has resulted in overlooking the role of social identity, especially caste status,” the authors say.

From BBC

Related Words

• discount
• forget
• ignore
• omit