overlooking

/ˌəʊ.vəˈlʊk/ (bre, ipa) · [ˈovɚlˌʊkɪŋ] /ˌoʊ.vɚˈlʊk/ (ame, ipa)

overlooking — verb

  • overlookingpresent simple I / you / we / they
  • overlookings3rd person singular
  • overlookinging-ing form
  • overlookingedpast simple

1. being above a place and giving a clear view across it from a room, hill, or buil

1.動詞及物B2
釋義

being above a place and giving a clear view across it from a room, hill, or building.

例句

They booked a small room overlooking the river market and old bridge.

room overlooking + place

A cafe overlooking the tea fields filled up before sunrise.

同義詞
  • looking out over

    a descriptive phrase for the same physical view

  • facing

    broader and does not always suggest height or a wide view

  • commanding

    more formal and often used for an impressive view

文法句型

room/balcony + overlooking + place

overlooking + area below

用法筆記

This form often follows nouns such as room, balcony, terrace, or window. The object is the place seen below from that higher position.

常見錯誤

❌We chose a room overlooking to the sea.
✅We chose a room overlooking the sea.
💡do not add 'to' before the place you can see.

2. failing to notice a detail, person, or problem, or leaving one out while decidin

2.動詞及物C1
釋義

failing to notice a detail, person, or problem, or leaving one out while deciding something important.

例句

Overlooking one minus sign cost Felipe five marks on the test.

overlooking + small detail

In the rush, the nurse kept overlooking the warning note on Sam's chart.

同義詞
  • missing

    the most everyday choice for not noticing something

  • omitting

    stresses leaving something out of a list, form, or plan

  • ignoring

    often sounds more intentional than overlooking

反義詞
  • noticing

    becoming aware of something present

  • including

    making sure a person or thing is part of the group or plan

文法句型

overlooking + detail/problem

keep + overlooking + person/thing

用法筆記

Often used for details, names, warning signs, and suitable people. Distinguish from sense 3: here the problem is missed rather than deliberately excused.

常見錯誤

❌We are overlooking to add Priya's number.
✅We are overlooking Priya's number.' or 'We forgot to add Priya's number.
💡this verb normally takes the missed thing as its object.
❌The panel is ignoring Hui by accident.
✅The panel keeps overlooking Hui.
💡'ignore' sounds more deliberate than this sense.

3. seeing a fault, delay, or rude act but deciding not to react to it or punish it.

3.動詞及物C1
釋義

seeing a fault, delay, or rude act but deciding not to react to it or punish it.

例句

Because the buses broke down, the teacher is overlooking James's lateness today.

overlooking a fault because of circumstances

At dinner, Aunt Rosa kept overlooking the rude jokes to avoid a fight.

同義詞
  • excusing

    often suggests openly accepting a reason for the fault

  • forgiving

    stronger and often more emotional than overlooking

  • letting pass

    focuses on choosing not to stop or punish the behavior

反義詞
  • challenging

    objecting to the fault instead of letting it continue

  • punishing

    reacting by giving a penalty

文法句型

overlooking + fault/mistake

be + overlooking + delay/behavior

用法筆記

The object is usually a fault, delay, rude act, or other problem that could be criticized. Distinguish from sense 2: here the subject sees the problem and chooses not to press it.

常見錯誤

❌The teacher is overlooking that James is late.
✅The teacher is overlooking James's lateness.
💡this sense usually takes the fault itself as the object.
❌My boss is ignoring one small mistake kindly.
✅My boss is overlooking one small mistake.
💡use this sense when someone chooses not to react to a fault.