overlook
//ˈəʊ.vəˌlʊk//
Forms
- Plural
- overlooks
- present (v1)
- overlook
- past (v2)
- overlooked
- past participle (v3)
- overlooked
- present participle
- overlooking
- 3rd person singular
- overlooks
Definitions
1.A vista or point that gives a view down toward something else.
1.To offer a view (of something) from a higher position.
- Our hotel room overlooks the lake.
2.To fail to notice; to look over and beyond (anything) without seeing it.
- These errors were overlooked by the proofreaders.
- White, too, overlooks the mate in two, starting with 21.QxP†.
- The place had been already searched and emptied. In the bar I afterwards found some biscuits and sandwiches that had been overlooked.
3.To pretend not to have noticed (something, especially a mistake or flaw); to pass over (something) without censure or punishment.
- I’m not willing to overlook such bad behaviour.
- Indeed, I have been a complete ass, and I know it. Will you overlook it this once and forgive me, and let things go on as before?
- “Mr. Elton’s manners are not perfect,” replied Emma; “but where there is a wish to please, one ought to overlook, and one does overlook a great deal.”
4.To look down upon from above or from a higher location.
- The hill overlooks the valley.
Frequency
Overall
Uncommon· #3729
By learning goal
- Everyday conversation
- Rare
- General reading & writing
- Uncommon
- Academic
- Rare
- Literature
- Rare
Related words
Etymology
From Middle English overloken; equivalent to over- + look.