overhear

[oh-ver-heer]

verb (used with object)

overheard, overhearing 

1. to hear (speech or a speaker) without the speaker's intention or knowledge.

   I accidentally overheard what they were saying.

overhear

/ ˌəʊvəˈhɪə /

verb

1. (tr) to hear (a person, remark, etc) without the knowledge of the speaker

Other Word Forms

• overhearer noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of overhear¹

First recorded in 1540–50; over- + hear

Example Sentences

The chic dining area features modern overheard lighting and enough room for a large table.

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I overheard, “Let’s dress up, like, for an Oscars party, drink champagne and then order in pizza and wings.”

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Yet just the other evening Penelope had overheard her complain that the dressmaker refused to sew another stitch until paid the money owed her.

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He looked one way and then the other, as if afraid of being overheard.

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She lowered her voice to the sort of loud, gossipy whisper that fairly begs to be overheard.

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Related Words

• accept 
• admit 
• attend 
• get 
• observe 
• take notice www.thesaurus.com
• tune in