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Translate files Overhear
/ˌoʊvərˈhɪr/
Meaning & Definition
verb
To hear something without the intention of doing so, often accidentally.
I happened to overhear a conversation about the surprise party planned for me.
To listen in on someone else's conversation without their knowledge.
She was trying to be discreet, but I could still overhear her discussing the project.
To mistakenly or unintentionally hear part of a conversation.
As I walked past the café, I overheard a snippet of their discussion about the upcoming elections.
Etymology
Middle English 'overheren', from 'over-' meaning 'in excess' + 'heren' meaning 'to hear'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
overhear a conversation
To accidentally or intentionally listen in on another person's discussion without their knowledge.
overhear someone saying
To accidentally hear someone make a statement.
I overheard you
A way to tell someone that you have heard what they said without them knowing.
Related Words
eavesdrop
To secretly listen to a conversation.
listen
To pay attention to sound.
snoop
To investigate or pry into someone else's affairs.
Slang Meanings
eavesdropping
I was just eavesdropping on their chat.
snoop
He was snooping around and overheard the details.