Meaning & Definition of word "Overhear"

Overhear

/ˌoʊvərˈhɪr/

1. To hear something without the intention of doing so, often accidentally.
- Example: I happened to overhear a conversation about the surprise party planned for me.
2. To listen in on someone else's conversation without their knowledge.
- Example: She was trying to be discreet, but I could still overhear her discussing the project.
3. To mistakenly or unintentionally hear part of a conversation.
- Example: As I walked past the café, I overheard a snippet of their discussion about the upcoming elections.

Middle English 'overheren', from 'over-' meaning 'in excess' + 'heren' meaning 'to hear'.

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.

eavesdrop:

To secretly listen to a conversation.

listen:

To pay attention to sound.

snoop:

To investigate or pry into someone else's affairs.

Meaning: eavesdropping

Example Sentence: I was just eavesdropping on their chat.

Meaning: snoop

Example Sentence: He was snooping around and overheard the details.