Definition

1. Verb:
   • To hear something, especially a conversation, without the knowledge or intention of the speakers; to hear something accidentally or secretly.

Usage

The verb "overhear" describes the act of unintentionally or deliberately listening to a conversation or remark that one is not a direct participant in. It implies the speakers are unaware they are being heard. It is a transitive verb and is often used in the passive voice.

Examples

• Verb:
  • I couldn't help but overhear your argument.
  • She overheard a fascinating piece of gossip on the bus.
  • Important information was overheard by a journalist at the café.

Advanced Usage

• "to be overheard": This passive construction is common.
  • Be careful what you say; you might be overheard.
• "to overhear someone say/saying something": A common grammatical pattern.
  • He overheard the manager discussing layoffs.

Variants and Related Words

• Eavesdrop (verb): To listen secretly to a private conversation. (This implies a more deliberate, secretive act than "overhear," which can be accidental.)
• Overhearing (noun): The act of hearing something accidentally.
  • The overhearing of that secret changed everything.

Synonyms

• Catch: To hear or understand something briefly or accidentally.
  • I caught the end of their conversation.
• Eavesdrop: To listen secretly to a private conversation.

Antonyms

• Ignore: To refuse to take notice of.
• Miss: To fail to hear.

Related Phrasal Verbs/Idioms

(Note: "Overhear" itself is not typically used in phrasal verbs. The concept is usually expressed by the single verb.) - To listen in (on something): To listen to a conversation that you are not supposed to hear, often secretly. - He was accused of listening in on the board meeting. (This is closer in meaning to "eavesdrop.")

Verb

1. hear, usually without the knowledge of the speakers
   • We overheard the conversation at the next table