overlook

/ˌəʊvəˈlʊk/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌəʊvərˈlʊk/ (ame, ipa) · /ˌō-vər-ˈlu̇k/ (ame, mw) · /ˈəʊ.və.lʊk/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈoʊ.vɚ.lʊk/ (ame, ipa)

overlook — verb

  • overlookpresent simple I / you / we / they
  • overlookshe / she / it
  • overlookedpast simple
  • overlooking-ing form

1. if a room, hill, or building overlooks a place, it is above that place and gives

1.動詞及物B2
釋義

if a room, hill, or building overlooks a place, it is above that place and gives a clear view across it.

例句

The kitchen window overlooks the school yard and the old gym.

pattern: window overlooks a place

A white hotel overlooks the harbor from the top of the cliff.

building subject: overlooks the harbor

同義詞
  • look out over

    a descriptive phrase that states the same physical relationship more directly

  • face

    broader and does not always suggest height or a wide view

  • command

    formal and often used for an impressive view from above

文法句型

overlook + place/area

building/window/balcony + overlook + place

用法筆記

Subject is usually a place or part of a place, such as a hotel, room, balcony, or hill, rather than a person. The object is the area that can be seen from the higher position.

常見錯誤

❌Our hotel overlooks to the lake.
✅Our hotel overlooks the lake.
💡do not add a preposition before the place you can see.

2. to not notice someone or something, or to leave them out when making a choice, l

2.動詞及物C2
釋義

to not notice someone or something, or to leave them out when making a choice, list, or judgment.

例句

Lena overlooked one minus sign and got the whole answer wrong.

overlook + small detail

In the rush, the nurse overlooked Sam's name on the second form.

同義詞
  • miss

    the closest everyday word for failing to notice something

  • omit

    stresses leaving something out, especially from a list, plan, or document

  • ignore

    often sounds more intentional than 'overlook'

反義詞
  • notice

    to see or become aware of something

  • include

    to make sure a person or thing is part of the group or plan

文法句型

overlook + detail/problem

overlook + person/candidate

用法筆記

Often used for details, names, warning signs, or suitable people. Distinguish from sense 3: in this sense the person usually did not notice the thing at all, while sense 3 is a deliberate choice not to react.

常見錯誤

❌I overlooked to add your name.
✅I overlooked your name.' or 'I forgot to add your name.
💡'overlook' normally takes the thing not noticed as its object.
❌The team ignored Maya by accident.
✅The team overlooked Maya by accident.
💡'ignore' usually sounds deliberate, but 'overlook' can describe an unintended omission.

3. to see that something is wrong or annoying but decide to let it pass.

3.動詞及物C1
釋義

to see that something is wrong or annoying but decide to let it pass.

例句

The teacher overlooked Ben's late homework because his father was ill.

overlook + fault because of circumstances

During the holiday rush, small delays were overlooked at the bus station.

passive: be overlooked

同義詞
  • excuse

    often suggests openly accepting a reason for the fault

  • ignore

    can be close, but it does not always carry the idea of forgiveness

  • let pass

    focuses on choosing not to stop or punish the behavior

反義詞
  • challenge

    to object to the wrong thing instead of letting it continue

  • punish

    to react by giving a penalty

文法句型

overlook + fault/mistake

overlook + rude behavior/delay

用法筆記

Object is usually something wrong, annoying, or imperfect, such as a mistake, delay, or rude act. Distinguish from sense 2, where the speaker failed to notice the thing instead of deciding to excuse it.

常見錯誤

❌The teacher overlooked that Ben was late.
✅The teacher overlooked Ben's lateness.
💡this sense usually takes the fault itself as the object.
❌My boss ignored one small mistake kindly.
✅My boss overlooked one small mistake.
💡'overlook' is a more natural verb when someone chooses not to react to a fault.

overlook — noun